WHO Warns of Serious Epidemic Situation in Eastern Med. Region

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, said that the epidemiological situation in the region is dangerous and worrying in light of threats linked to the Corona pandemic.

Al-Mandhari added in a statement published today, Friday, that there is a sharp increase in cases throughout the region, as some countries recently, including Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, and Libya, have documented the highest number of cases reported in one day since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Al-Mandhari pointed out that the organization is monitoring with concern the increasing number of cases every day, and is currently working on adjusting its recommendations to suit countries, based on the epidemiological situation and the changing context.

He stressed the need for a more targeted approach with regard to surveillance, examination, and contact tracing, and for societies to realize the crucial role that has been played out.

The societies must take part in helping to stop the spread of the virus by adopting preventive behaviors.

The regional officials of the WHO stressed that this unprecedented increase in cases is a stark reminder of the need for governments, local communities, and partners, including the World Health Organization, to do much and much to change the course of the pandemic.

He warned of the state of frustration and stress that some have reached by some communities as the pandemic still continues to threaten the world currently.

Al-Mandhari indicated that communities are witnessing now anti-curfew movements.

The WHO Regional Director expected, with the continuing of the pandemic, the stress associated with COVID-19, make the situation across the world will worsen, and the coming months will be difficult for everyone.

The WHO Regional Director stressed that "the choices that we will make in the coming days, weeks, and months as inpiduals, societies, and countries will ultimately decide whether this deadly pandemic will sweep us collectively in a deeper way, or whether we will collectively overcome the virus and recover from it."