The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns that the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East is disrupting the movement of medical supplies and placing severe pressure on healthcare systems already struggling to cope with humanitarian needs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the global health agency said that more than 10 days into the violence, hospitals and medical services in several countries are facing mounting challenges as casualties increase, people are displaced, and access to essential health care continues to shrink.
According to the organisation, the conflict has already resulted in heavy casualties across the region.
“National health authorities in Iran report more than 1300 deaths and 9000 injuries, and in Lebanon report at least 570 deaths and more than 1400 injuries. In Israel, authorities report 15 deaths and 2142 injuries,” the statement reads.
“At the same time, the conflict is affecting the very services meant to save lives.”
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WHO also noted that healthcare workers and medical facilities have not been spared from the violence.
“In Iran, the WHO has verified 18 attacks on health care since 28 February, resulting in 8 deaths among health workers. Over the same period in Lebanon, 25 attacks on health care have resulted in 16 deaths and 29 injuries.”
The agency stressed that attacks on health infrastructure worsen the humanitarian situation by depriving communities of life-saving medical assistance.
“Health workers, patients and health facilities must always be protected under international humanitarian law.”
The organisation warned that the humanitarian crisis is deepening as thousands of people flee their homes due to insecurity.
“Current estimates indicate more than 100 000 people in Iran have relocated to other areas of the country due to insecurity, and up to 700 000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon, with many in crowded collective shelters under deteriorating public health conditions, with limited access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.”
“These conditions increase the risk of respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and other communicable illnesses, especially for the most vulnerable populations, such as women and children.”
WHO further explained that restrictions on airspace in parts of the region have affected the delivery of emergency medical supplies from its global logistics hub in Dubai, causing delays to over 50 shipments intended for more than 1.5 million people in 25 countries.
“Current priority shipments include supplies planned for Al Arish, Egypt, to support the Gaza response, as well as Lebanon and Afghanistan,” the agency said.
“The first shipment, containing cholera response supplies for Mozambique, is expected to depart from the hub in the coming week.”
The organisation noted that the escalation is happening at a time when humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean region are already among the highest globally.
It warned that without improved humanitarian access and protection for healthcare services, the crisis could worsen further.
“Without protection for health care, sustained humanitarian access and stronger financial and operational support for the humanitarian health response, the strain on vulnerable populations and already fragile health systems will continue to grow.”
WHO also called on all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise the safety of civilians and medical facilities while pursuing efforts to reduce tensions and move toward peace.