The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that health systems across the Middle East are under severe strain as the conflict in the region enters its 13th day.
In a post on X, the WHO chief said the ongoing escalation has placed immense pressure on healthcare systems. “More than ten days into the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, health systems are under immense strain. Reports indicate over 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries in Iran, at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries in Lebanon, and 15 deaths with 2,142 injuries in Israel,” he said.
He added that attacks on healthcare facilities are rising, with WHO verifying 18 attacks in Iran, 25 in Lebanon and two in Israel since February 28, leading to casualties among health workers. “These attacks not only claim lives but also deprive communities of critical care when they need it most,” he said.
Tedros further warned that public health risks are rapidly increasing as large populations are displaced. More than 100,000 people in Iran and up to 700,000 in Lebanon have been displaced and are living in deteriorating conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
He said vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, face heightened risks of disease. The situation is worsened by the closure of several health facilities. In Lebanon alone, 49 primary healthcare centres and five hospitals have shut down due to evacuation orders. Access to medical services is also severely restricted in the Gaza Strip and other occupied Palestinian territories.
Disruptions in global medical supply chains caused by airspace restrictions have also created major delays in delivering essential health supplies to more than 1.5 million people across 25 countries, he added.
The WHO has called on all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians and healthcare infrastructure, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian access and de-escalation. “The urgency for action is critical to prevent the collapse of already fragile health systems and to support the recovery of affected communities. Peace is the best medicine,” he said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning what it described as Iran’s “egregious attacks” against its regional neighbours amid escalating violence in the region.
The 15-member Council adopted Resolution 2817 (2026) with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions — China and Russia. The resolution comes as the conflict, which began with airstrikes by Israel and the United States against Iran on February 28, approaches the two-week mark and spreads across several countries in the already volatile Middle East.
The resolution strongly condemned Iran’s attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, while reiterating support for their sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. (Agencies)
