A recent article from the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) highlights three flagship initiatives aimed at achieving a healthier future for the region. These initiatives are essential for expanding equitable access to medical products, improving health workforce resilience, and addressing substance use issues.

Expanding Equitable Access to Medical Products

This initiative aims to improve access to quality medical products, which is essential for closing the healthcare access gap in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The primary strategies involve developing a new regional pooled procurement mechanism to enhance accessibility and boost countries’ bargaining power with manufacturers. Furthermore, the initiative provides ongoing technical support at the national level to strengthen domestic capacities for the production, distribution, and regulation of medical products.

Investing in a Resilient and Sustainable Health Workforce

The health workforce is the backbone of every effective health system. However, the initiative addresses a severe shortage of health professionals in the region, which is projected to face a shortfall of 2.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives. Therefore, the initiative focuses on several key aspects to strengthen the health workforce. Investing in health workers is essential for increasing life expectancy, creating jobs, and supporting economic and social development. The initiative also promotes equitable occupational opportunities and aims to protect health professionals from harm. Ultimately, the goal is to build a resilient, fit-for-purpose, and sustainable health workforce across the region, achieving health security by 2030.

Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use

Substance use is a significant and growing public health challenge in the region, and this initiative seeks to tackle it by reducing the economic, social, and health burdens associated with substance use disorders. It addresses the alarming 137% increase in drug use disorders over the past 30 years. The initiative aims to ensure that more people receive the necessary treatment, as currently only 1 in 13 people in the region receive treatment compared to 1 in 5 globally. To achieve these goals, the initiative plans to implement strategic region-wide actions and collaborate with other United Nations agencies and partners, as well as provide country-specific interventions and support.

Overall Vision and Objectives

The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, emphasises that these flagship initiatives are part of an ambitious vision to ensure the best attainable level of health for everyone. Expanding equitable access to medical products is a core aspect of this vision. The initiatives align with the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and aim to accelerate progress toward achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. By focusing on these initiatives, the region can make significant strides toward a healthier future for all.