By Chioma Obinna
The World Health Organisation has sounded a grave warning that the Eastern Mediterranean region now carries nearly half of the world’s humanitarian burden, even though it accounts for less than 10 per cent of the global population, exposing millions to worsening disease outbreaks, collapsing health systems and preventable deaths.
Speaking at an emergency press briefing, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, said the region is at a dangerous tipping point as conflicts, outbreaks and climate emergencies converge with massive funding shortages.
“Put simply, one in every two people affected by humanitarian crises worldwide is in this region.”She disclosed that of the $1.12 billion WHO requires globally for emergency operations in 2026, more than half is needed in the Eastern Mediterranean alone, yet over 40 per cent of that funding remains unmet.
“These are not simply funding gaps. They are gaps in medicines, vaccinations, disease surveillance and emergency care. Gaps that determine life or death for millions,” she warned.
