WHO Moves To Rescue Fragile Health Systems In Eastern Mediterranean Region
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
With millions of people across the Eastern Mediterranean Region struggling to afford healthcare, the World Health Organisation has launched a new regional taskforce aimed at tackling growing health financing challenges and widening inequalities.
The first meeting of the Eastern Mediterranean Region Health Financing Taskforce was held virtually on 3 May 2026, bringing together representatives of ministries of health and finance across the Region under the co-chairmanship of Egypt and Oman.
Established by the World Health Organisation Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO), the taskforce is expected to drive coordinated efforts towards sustainable healthcare financing and stronger financial protection for citizens.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, said the initiative was designed to help countries strengthen health systems amid growing economic pressures, shrinking fiscal space and declining international aid.
The taskforce will focus on boosting domestic health financing, encouraging innovative funding models and public-private partnerships, while developing a shared regional roadmap for sustainable healthcare delivery.
According to the WHO, progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the Region remains slow, with healthcare coverage still below the global average of 71 per cent.
More than one-third of the population reportedly lacks access to essential health services.
The organisation also revealed that about 28 per cent of people in the Region suffer financial hardship when seeking healthcare, while 22 per cent sacrifice basic needs such as food, housing and education to pay medical bills.
Health experts say rising cases of noncommunicable diseases, displacement caused by conflicts and rapid technological changes are putting additional pressure on already fragile health systems.
The new taskforce is expected to support countries in building more resilient and financially sustainable healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to future public health emergencies.
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