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WHO Re-elects Dr. al-Mandhari for Eastern Mediterranean Region

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. l-mandhari-for-eastern-mediterranean-region.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 9:02 GMT by CNN
      Locales: EGYPT, JORDAN, LEBANON, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Cairo, Egypt - February 21, 2026 - Dr. Ahmed al-Mandhari has been re-elected as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) serving the Eastern Mediterranean region. The decision, made following a vote by member states earlier today, affirms continued confidence in Dr. al-Mandhari's leadership amidst escalating health challenges across a geographically and politically complex area.

Dr. al-Mandhari first assumed the role in 2017 and this second term underscores both his proven track record and the persistent, urgent need for experienced guidance in a region beset by conflict, outbreaks of infectious disease, and constrained healthcare resources. The Eastern Mediterranean region, spanning from North Africa through the Middle East to parts of Central Asia, presents a unique and formidable landscape for public health initiatives.

A Region Defined by Crisis:

The WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region is arguably one of the most challenging in the world for health organizations. Years of protracted conflicts in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Sudan have decimated healthcare infrastructure, displaced populations, and created humanitarian crises with severe health implications. Access to clean water, sanitation, and essential medical supplies remains limited for millions, contributing to the spread of preventable diseases.

Beyond conflict, the region grapples with a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. The increasing prevalence of these conditions places a further strain on already overburdened health systems. Furthermore, outbreaks of infectious diseases, including polio, measles, and cholera, frequently occur, often exacerbated by conflict and displacement.

Dr. al-Mandhari's Priorities and Past Achievements:

Throughout his first term, Dr. al-Mandhari prioritized strengthening national health systems, improving disease surveillance, and addressing the health consequences of emergencies. He spearheaded initiatives aimed at increasing access to essential medicines, improving maternal and child health, and tackling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. His leadership has focused on building partnerships with member states to enhance their capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.

"Dr. al-Mandhari's leadership has been invaluable during a period of unprecedented challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean," the WHO stated in an official release. This sentiment is widely shared within the regional health community, who recognize his commitment to addressing the root causes of health inequities and advocating for increased investment in public health.

Looking Ahead: Key Challenges for the Second Term:

Dr. al-Mandhari's second term will undoubtedly be marked by continued instability and complex humanitarian needs. Several key challenges loom large.

• Conflict and Displacement: The ongoing conflicts in several countries require sustained humanitarian assistance and long-term investments in rebuilding health infrastructure. Protecting health workers and ensuring access to healthcare in conflict zones will remain a paramount concern.
• Climate Change: The Eastern Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including extreme heat, water scarcity, and desertification. These environmental changes have direct and indirect impacts on public health, increasing the risk of heatstroke, malnutrition, and infectious diseases.
• Health Security: Strengthening health security and preparedness for future pandemics is crucial. This requires investing in surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and rapid response mechanisms.
• Universal Health Coverage: Achieving universal health coverage - ensuring that all people have access to the health services they need without financial hardship - remains a major goal. This will require addressing inequities in access to healthcare and strengthening primary healthcare systems.
• Addressing NCDs: Scaling up interventions to prevent and control NCDs is essential to reduce the burden of disease and improve the health and well-being of populations.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean region encompasses a diverse group of nations including Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Each country presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, requiring tailored approaches to public health interventions.

Dr. al-Mandhari's re-election provides a measure of stability and continuity in a region desperately in need of both. His proven leadership and commitment to addressing the complex health challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean region will be vital in the years to come. However, success will depend on sustained political will, increased investment in public health, and strong partnerships between the WHO, member states, and other stakeholders.