The World Health Organization announced Sunday that it has distributed $2 million in emergency funding to three Middle Eastern nations experiencing severe health crises due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Lebanon will receive $1 million of the emergency allocation to enhance WHO’s crisis coordination through its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, expand trauma treatment capabilities, bolster disease monitoring systems, and acquire critical medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, according to the organization’s announcement.
Both Iraq and Syria will each receive $500,000 to bolster emergency response coordination and mass-casualty treatment protocols, obtain vital medical supplies and medications, deliver healthcare to displaced communities, and enhance disease tracking and public outreach efforts.
The funding comes as the region faces massive population displacement, with WHO estimates showing over 100,000 people have been forced to relocate in Iran, while as many as 700,000 individuals have been internally displaced within Lebanon due to the escalating conflict.
“At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services,” stated Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
The emergency funds were drawn from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies, which is designed to provide rapid financial assistance during humanitarian crises.
