RC70 concludes with important decisions and resolutions on priority health issues
12 October 2023, Cairo, Egypt − The 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean concluded today. RC70 took place amid a barrage of emergencies in the Region, including escalating hostilities and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, increasing conflict in northwest Syria and successive earthquakes in Afghanistan. The impact of these events and the health needs of affected populations dominated discussions.
As RC70 drew to a close, the Members of the Regional Committee endorsed the 5-year report on implementing the strategic priorities of “Vision 2023: health for all by all – a call for solidarity and action”. The Regional Committee also passed significant decisions and resolutions on priority health issues, which will pave the way to translate these powerful words into effective policies and actions.
Member States this year nominated the next WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean: Dr Hanan Balkhy will be the first woman to lead the Organization’s health work across the 22 countries and territories of the Region, serving a population of 745 million people. The nomination will be submitted to the WHO Executive Board during its 154th session, taking place on 22−27 January 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on 1 February 2024.
After concluding his tenure, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari will be known as Regional Director Emeritus, a title that the Regional Committee has granted in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to regional and global public health.
Series of significant endorsements
RC70 discussions on a