Dear colleagues,

A warm welcome from WHO headquarters in Geneva, where I am currently attending the 75th World Health Assembly.

Over the past few weeks, WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has been closely following reports of monkeypox in countries in other WHO regions where the disease is not usually found.

As of 25 May, there are 157 total confirmed cases globally, including one confirmed case in our Region, reported by the United Arab Emirates on 24 May. More countries, including in our Region, are identifying and investigating suspected cases.

Reports of monkeypox cases in non-endemic countries are a stark reminder that the world will continue to face outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging diseases. The key lesson here is that countries need to continue strengthening and investing in their preparedness and response capacities.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, our key priority right now is to stop transmission.