As emergencies continue to affect millions across the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, demand for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is growing. WHO is urging Member States to accelerate implementation of the Regional action plan for mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies, 2024–2030 and make MHPSS an integral part of emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

During the virtual week held ahead of the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, the discussion on the Regional action plan for mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies, 2024–2030, highlighted progress made, gaps that need to be bridged in MHPSS capacities and resources, and practical lessons from countries’ experiences.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is one of the world’s most emergency-affected regions. In 2026, WHO is responding to 14 graded emergencies across the Region, of which 8 are classified as Grade 3.