Middle East conflict disrupting delivery of medical supplies, worsening health crisis – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting the delivery of medical supplies and worsening an already fragile health situation across the region.

In a statement on Wednesday, the organisation said more than 10 days into the conflict, health systems are coming under increasing strain as casualties rise, populations are displaced, and access to essential services becomes more limited.

The WHO warned that the violence has already caused significant loss of life and injuries.

“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.

“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 WHO said the attacks not only cost lives but also deprive communities of care when they need it most.

It added that “health workers, patients and health facilities must always be protected under international humanitarian law.”

“Beyond the immediate impact, the conflict is creating wider public health risks. 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,” the global health body said.

“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.”

The organisation said temporary airspace restrictions have also disrupted the movement of emergency medical shipments from its global logistics hub in Dubai, delaying more than 50 supply requests intended to benefit over 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,” it said.

“The first shipment, containing cholera response supplies for Mozambique, is expected to depart from the hub in the coming week.

“The escalation comes at a time when humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean region were already among the highest in the world.”

The WHO added that “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”.

It called on all parties to protect civilians and healthcare and pursue de-escalation of the conflict so communities can begin to recover and move towards peace.(TheCable)