JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 transmission in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) was influenced by various factors such as conflict, demographics, travel and social restrictions, migrant workers, weak health systems, and mass gatherings. The countries that responded well to COVID-19 had high-level political commitment, multi-sectoral coordination, and existing infrastructures that could quickly mobilize. However, some EMR countries faced challenges due to political instability and fragile health systems, which hindered their response strategies. The pandemic highlighted the region’s weak health systems and preparedness, fragmented surveillance systems, and lack of trust in information sharing. COVID-19 exposed the disruption of access and delivery of essential health services as a major health system fragility. In 2020, WHO conducted a Global Pulse Survey which demonstrated that the EMR experienced the highest disruption in health services compared to other WHO regions. However, thanks to prioritization by WHO and Member States, significant improvement was observed in 2021 during the second round of WHO’s National Pulse Survey. The pandemic underscored the importance of political leadership, community engagement, and trust, and emphasized investing in health security benefits everyone. Increasing vaccine coverage, building regional capacities, strengthening health systems, and working towards Universal Health Coverage and health security are all priorities in the EMR. Emergency public health plays a key role in preparing and responding to pandemics and biological threats. Integrating public health into primary care and investing in public health workforce capacity building is essential to reshape public health and health emergency preparedness.