WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy said that the region is currently facing an unimaginable and unacceptable tragedy and suffering. She emphasized the strong commitment of all member states to work together to ensure that every person in the region enjoys fundamental human rights to life, regardless of their location, nationality, or economic or social affiliation.

She was speaking at a press conference held this evening marking the conclusion of the 71st session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. It was held under the theme "Health Beyond Borders" and chaired by the State of Qatar. It lasted four days before being concluded in Doha. Balkhy said that the meetings took place amidst emergencies affecting half of the region's countries, noting that all participants were aware that precious lives are being lost every minute whether from the year-long war in Gaza to the conflicts in Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, and the prolonged crises in Afghanistan, Somalia, and other countries.