Awad MATARIA

In #Syria, recent flooding along the Euphrates River continues to pose public health risks for thousands of people in Deir ez-Zor and Ar-Raqqa. While water levels have started to recede in some areas, several water stations remain disrupted, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Access challenges are also limiting people’s ability to reach functioning health facilities, with emergency referrals particularly affected. @WHO and partners continue to support the response led by national authorities and @SyrMofH, helping communities access safe water, timely medical care and lifesaving referrals, despite ongoing disruptions. Over the past few days, with support from @eu_echo, @WHO has delivered 7.5 tonnes of medical supplies to support health facilities and emergency response efforts, while also strengthening water quality monitoring and disease surveillance. To help maintain access to care, @WHO is also supporting 24/7 emergency referrals in Deir ez-Zor through 6 ambulances, 4 boats and 18 ambulance crew members. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, @WHO is strengthening preparedness to help maintain essential health services and enable a rapid response should health risks increase in the weeks ahead. Sustained operational support and flexible funding remain critical.

I was pleased to meet again with H.E. Dr @Musaab_Al_Ali, Minister of Health of Syrian Arab Republic, after having met him in Damascus earlier this year and witness firsthand the determination to rebuild and strengthen the country’s health system. We discussed advancing Syria’s health system recovery, strengthening emergency preparedness and sustainable financing, and ensuring health remains at the centre of national recovery efforts. @WHO remains committed to supporting the Syrian people and the Ministry of Health on the path towards resilient, inclusive and equitable health for all. #WHA79 @WHOSyria | @syrianmofaex | @SyriatoUN | @SyrMOfH

At #WHA79, I was honoured to open @WHOEMRO’s ministerial dialogue on sustainable health financing, bringing together ministers, partners and experts for a candid, strategic and highly practical exchange on one of the defining challenges facing global health today. What made this discussion especially powerful was not only the depth of expertise around the table, but also the spirit with which it took place: thoughtful, solutions-oriented and engaging, with moments of warmth and humour even as we confronted difficult realities. The discussion reinforced that countries are not just waiting for change; they are actively advancing reforms through nationally owned solutions and by strengthening domestic financing, universal health coverage, pooled procurement and primary health care. But much more remains to be done, and sustainable financing is essential to close persistent gaps, protect the most vulnerable and build resilient health systems that are ready to withstand future shocks. @WHO remains committed to support countries turn fragmented reforms into coherent, country-led financing, with integrated strategies grounded in equity, sustainability and financial protection for all.

In Washington, D.C., during the @WorldBankGroup and @IMFNews Spring Meetings, I had a stimulating discussion with Maimouna Mbow Fam, Manager for Operations in the Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV) Group at the @WorldBankGroup. We explored the Middle East as the global epicentre of fragility, where health systems are on the frontlines. I emphasized the importance of positioning health not only as a response mechanism, but as a cause and result to peace, stability and recovery. I welcomed the World Bank’s evolving FCV Strategy and discussed how @WHO can further strengthen its role as a key partner. This builds on our strong collaboration across the @WHOEMRO Region, particularly in Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and beyond, enhancing resilience, advancing the health workforce and delivering impact where it is needed most. I look forward to advancing this partnership, building on a decade of collaboration in addressing health needs across emergency-affected countries in the Region. In fragile settings, investing in health is ultimately an investment in stability, livelihoods and lasting recovery.

ونحن نودع عام 2025، أفكر في من تتصدر أخبارهم العناوين الرئيسية، وأولئك الذين يعملون دون كلل من أجل استمرار تقديم الخدمات الصحية في جميع أنحاء إقليم منظمة الصحة العالمية لشرق المتوسط. وأتأملُ أيضًا كيف تكاتفت الدول الأعضاء والشركاء لمساعدتنا على سد الفجوات المتزايدة في التمويل في عامٍ شهِدَ نزاعات وفاشيات وأشكالًا متعددة لانعدام المساواة باستمرار وعلى نحوٍ حَرَمَ الكثيرين من الرعاية. إلا أن عام 2025 كان عام تقدُّمٍ ملموسٍ أيضًا. ففي البلدان التي تواجه حالات طوارئ، عملت فِرَق المنظمة مع الشركاء في المجالين الصحي والإنساني لاستمرار تقديم الخدمات الأساسية في ظل أصعب الظروف. وفي أماكن أخرى في جميع أنحاء الإقليم، قَدََّمَت مكاتبنا القُطرية التابعة للمنظمة الدعمَ إلى الدول الأعضاء للنهوض بالقضاء على الأمراض، وتوسيع نطاق رعاية الصحة النفسية، وتعزيز النُّظُم الصحية، وتحقيق مكاسب مطردة في التمنيع ومكافحة شلل الأطفال. وقد أحدثت هذه الإنجازات، التي تحققت بشِقِّ الأنفس في الظروف المتباينة في أنحاء الإقليم، فارقًا حقيقيًا في حياة الناس. وسنعمل في عام 2026 على زيادة تركيزنا على الدول الأعضاء، وتعزيز حضور المنظمة، وتوطيد شراكاتها، وتقديم الخدمات من خلال الخطة التنفيذية الاستراتيجية الإقليمية. وسيظل لمبادراتنا الرئيسية أهمية محورية لبناء نظم صحية أكثر عدلًا وقوةً وقدرةً على الصمود. إلى زملائنا وشركائنا: نشكركم على التزامكم وتعاطفكم. إلى المجتمعات التي نخدمها: شكرًا لكم على ثقتكم. أتمنى للجميع عامًا جديدًا آمنًا وصحيًا ومفعمًا بالأمل! #شركاء_من_أجل_الصحة

I always value connecting with our @WHO representatives and their teams across the @WHOEMRO Region. These exchanges are energizing and essential to strengthening our collective impact. In a recent strategy workshop we reflected on 2025, drew key lessons and discussed country-specific challenges, focusing on practical solutions to turn our vision and flagship initiatives into measurable results in 2026. Looking ahead, we’re streamlining integrated programmes, boosting accountability and deepening collaboration. Each WHO Representative identified clear 2026 priorities to ensure WHO remains fit for purpose to support countries and responsive to national needs. I’m excited to see these ideas translate into action and real impact for the communities we serve. Together for a healthier future. Read more: emro.who.int/media/news/shap…

إليكم مقابلتي الكاملة مع قناة سي إن إن على هامش منتدى دوحة السنوي الثالث و العشرون، حيث أتطرق إلى الثغرات الأكثر إلحاحًا التي تواجه النُّظُم الصحية في جميع أنحاء إقليم شرق المتوسط، والتي تشكلها الصراعات والنزوح والهشاشة الاقتصادية، ويؤدي إلى تفاقمها نقص القوى العاملة بسبب الهجرة، والإتاحة المحدودة للرعاية الصحية، ونقص الأدوية، والأثر الدائم لفيروس كوفيد-19. وأوضحتُ كيف يضع المكتب الإقليمي لمنظمة الصحة العالمية لشرق المتوسط معايير صحية عالمية، ويضمن عدم تخلف أحد عن الرَكب، ويدعم البلدان في الاستجابة للفاشيات واستئصال شلل الأطفال، ولماذا تُعدُّ الصحة العامة استثمارًا يعزز المجتمعات والاقتصادات والاستقرار على المدى الطويل. المقابلة الكاملة: edition.cnn.com/world/who-re…