WHO Allocates $2 Mln for Middle East Health Response

The World Health Organization on Sunday allocated $2 million from its emergency fund to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria as the Middle East crisis continues to escalate.

The UN health agency noted last week that the conflict has triggered large-scale displacement across the region. Estimates indicate that more than 100,000 people in Iran have been displaced, while up to 700,000 people in Lebanon are now internally displaced.

In a statement, the organization announced that $1 million will be directed to Lebanon to strengthen emergency coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, expand treatment for the injured, improve disease surveillance, and purchase and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies.

The agency added that $500,000 has been allocated to both Iraq and Syria to support emergency coordination, manage mass casualty incidents, purchase and distribute critical medical supplies, and provide healthcare services for displaced communities. The funding will also support disease monitoring and community awareness efforts.

Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stressed that health systems in the region are already under heavy pressure.

She warned that additional support is essential to help frontline health workers maintain critical medical services, including specialized care such as intensive care units.