WHO: Pandemic Situation in East Mediterranean 'Not Getting Better'

Concerns have been raised by a World Health Organization (WHO) official about the coronavirus pandemic in the Eastern Mediterranean region, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to Ahmed al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, fourteen countries in the region have registered a substantial increase in regular coronavirus infections and related deaths.

During a virtual press conference, he said, "The situation is not getting better, and the direction many countries are moving in is alarming."

The online event was attended by WHO officials and Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Jordan, Iraq and Iran reported the highest numbers of new cases, while Jordan, Iraq and Pakistan registered the greatest number of COVID-19 deaths.

There are several factors that contribute to the increase in the number of new cases, Mandhari noted, including the “concerning” fast spreading new variants.