Awad MATARIA

Director of Universal Health Coverage & Health Systems at WHO EMRO. Committed to the right to health for all by all in EMR. Tweets are personal views.

[Awad MATARIA @AwadMataria]

This is how I looked like when I received my editor copy from @CambridgeUP of the Book which I was honoured to co-edit w @sameen_siddiqi @RouleauK & @IqbalMeesha!

🙏 to the 96 authors from 36 countries for their trust & contributions.

Read why this Book: https://t.co/TpEmxs9TST

[WHO Syria @WHOSyria]

Mental health care must be available closer to people and communities.

This week, with support from @eu_echo, WHO & @SyrMOfH trained 25 health workers in Deir-ez-Zor to better identify, support and refer people with mental health needs through primary health care.

[WHO Syria @WHOSyria]

Ambassador Gyusuk Geon of Republic of Korea joined UN partners & local authorities in Aleppo to see how Korean support is helping restore services.

With support from Korea, WHO is strengthening dialysis & diagnostic imaging services, helping improve access to life-saving care.

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

In #Syria, recent flooding along the Euphrates River continues to pose public health risks for thousands of people in Deir ez-Zor and Ar-Raqqa. While water levels have started to recede in some areas, several water stations remain disrupted, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Access challenges are also limiting people’s ability to reach functioning health facilities, with emergency referrals particularly affected.

@WHO and partners continue to support the response led by national authorities and @SyrMofH, helping communities access safe water, timely medical care and lifesaving referrals, despite ongoing disruptions.

Over the past few days, with support from @eu_echo, @WHO has delivered 7.5 tonnes of medical supplies to support health facilities and emergency response efforts, while also strengthening water quality monitoring and disease surveillance. To help maintain access to care, @WHO is also supporting 24/7 emergency referrals in Deir ez-Zor through 6 ambulances, 4 boats and 18 ambulance crew members.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, @WHO is strengthening preparedness to help maintain essential health services and enable a rapid response should health risks increase in the weeks ahead. Sustained operational support and flexible funding remain critical.

[WHO Syria @WHOSyria]

This support was made possible thanks to @eu_echo, helping WHO and partners keep health services running as families in Deir ez-Zor & Raqqa face the health risks of flooding.

The supplies will support emergency care, disease prevention and the wider health response.

[WHO Syria @WHOSyria]

Over 7.7 tons of medical supplies have been dispatched to Deir ez-Zor & Raqqa to support the flood response.

The shipment includes IV fluids, antibiotics, chronic disease medicines, water purification tablets & more.

@WHO continues to support @SyrMOfH & partners.

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

I was pleased to meet again with H.E. Dr @Musaab_Al_Ali, Minister of Health of Syrian Arab Republic, after having met him in Damascus earlier this year and witness firsthand the determination to rebuild and strengthen the country’s health system.

We discussed advancing Syria’s health system recovery, strengthening emergency preparedness and sustainable financing, and ensuring health remains at the centre of national recovery efforts. @WHO remains committed to supporting the Syrian people and the Ministry of Health on the path towards resilient, inclusive and equitable health for all. #WHA79

@WHOSyria | @syrianmofaex | @SyriatoUN | @SyrMOfH

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

At #WHA79, I was honoured to open @WHOEMRO’s ministerial dialogue on sustainable health financing, bringing together ministers, partners and experts for a candid, strategic and highly practical exchange on one of the defining challenges facing global health today.

What made this discussion especially powerful was not only the depth of expertise around the table, but also the spirit with which it took place: thoughtful, solutions-oriented and engaging, with moments of warmth and humour even as we confronted difficult realities. The discussion reinforced that countries are not just waiting for change; they are actively advancing reforms through nationally owned solutions and by strengthening domestic financing, universal health coverage, pooled procurement and primary health care. But much more remains to be done, and sustainable financing is essential to close persistent gaps, protect the most vulnerable and build resilient health systems that are ready to withstand future shocks.

@WHO remains committed to support countries turn fragmented reforms into coherent, country-led financing, with integrated strategies grounded in equity, sustainability and financial protection for all.

[WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean @WHOEMRO]

A ceremony for the first cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme in #Syria took place yesterday.

Implemented over three months, under the leadership of @SyrMofH, and support from @WHO, @eu_echo, @EMPHNET, and the Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid organization,  the programme blended classroom learning with real-world fieldwork, equipping health workers to apply surveillance and response skills directly within their communities.

WHO remains committed to strengthening Syria’s health system, including disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, and health workforce capacity.

[WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean @WHOEMRO]

Join us for this webinar to mark the #InternationalNursesDay2026 and #InternationalDayOfTheMidwife2026

Nurses and midwives are at the heart of strong, resilient health systems, now more than ever.

Be part of a dynamic regional conversation bringing together health leaders, policymakers, educators, partners, and the next generation of nurses and midwives to explore how we can better invest in, empower and protect this vital workforce.

🗓 11 May 2026
🕚 11:00–12:30 (Cairo time)
📍 Online (Zoom)
🔗 Register here: https://t.co/D895bA3ZmF

Whether you’re a nursing or midwifery professional, student, policymaker, academic, or partner, this is your opportunity to:
✨ Share experiences and insights
✨ Hear from regional and global experts
✨ Help shape a stronger, more equitable future for health

Your voice matters, join the conversation.

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

In Washington, D.C., during the @WorldBankGroup and @IMFNews Spring Meetings, I had a stimulating discussion with Maimouna Mbow Fam, Manager for Operations in the Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV) Group at the @WorldBankGroup.

We explored the Middle East as the global epicentre of fragility, where health systems are on the frontlines. I emphasized the importance of positioning health not only as a response mechanism, but as a cause and result to peace, stability and recovery.

I welcomed the World Bank’s evolving FCV Strategy and discussed how @WHO can further strengthen its role as a key partner. This builds on our strong collaboration across the @WHOEMRO Region, particularly in Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and beyond, enhancing resilience, advancing the health workforce and delivering impact where it is needed most.

I look forward to advancing this partnership, building on a decade of collaboration in addressing health needs across emergency-affected countries in the Region. In fragile settings, investing in health is ultimately an investment in stability, livelihoods and lasting recovery.

[Awad MATARIA @AwadMataria]

@DrTedros @severonis @WHO @ArabianArticles Dr @severonis makes us all proud! Thank u for all your efforts dear Santino!

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

ونحن نودع عام 2025، أفكر في من تتصدر أخبارهم العناوين الرئيسية، وأولئك الذين يعملون دون كلل من أجل استمرار تقديم الخدمات الصحية في جميع أنحاء إقليم منظمة الصحة العالمية لشرق المتوسط. وأتأملُ أيضًا كيف تكاتفت الدول الأعضاء والشركاء لمساعدتنا على سد الفجوات المتزايدة في التمويل في عامٍ شهِدَ نزاعات وفاشيات وأشكالًا متعددة لانعدام المساواة باستمرار وعلى نحوٍ حَرَمَ الكثيرين من الرعاية.

إلا أن عام 2025 كان عام تقدُّمٍ ملموسٍ أيضًا. ففي البلدان التي تواجه حالات طوارئ، عملت فِرَق المنظمة مع الشركاء في المجالين الصحي والإنساني لاستمرار تقديم الخدمات الأساسية في ظل أصعب الظروف. وفي أماكن أخرى في جميع أنحاء الإقليم، قَدََّمَت مكاتبنا القُطرية التابعة للمنظمة الدعمَ إلى الدول الأعضاء للنهوض بالقضاء على الأمراض، وتوسيع نطاق رعاية الصحة النفسية، وتعزيز النُّظُم الصحية، وتحقيق مكاسب مطردة في التمنيع ومكافحة شلل الأطفال.

وقد أحدثت هذه الإنجازات، التي تحققت بشِقِّ الأنفس في الظروف المتباينة في أنحاء الإقليم، فارقًا حقيقيًا في حياة الناس.

وسنعمل في عام 2026 على زيادة تركيزنا على الدول الأعضاء، وتعزيز حضور المنظمة، وتوطيد شراكاتها، وتقديم الخدمات من خلال الخطة التنفيذية الاستراتيجية الإقليمية. وسيظل لمبادراتنا الرئيسية أهمية محورية لبناء نظم صحية أكثر عدلًا وقوةً وقدرةً على الصمود.

إلى زملائنا وشركائنا: نشكركم على التزامكم وتعاطفكم.

إلى المجتمعات التي نخدمها: شكرًا لكم على ثقتكم.

أتمنى للجميع عامًا جديدًا آمنًا وصحيًا ومفعمًا بالأمل!

#شركاء_من_أجل_الصحة

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

I always value connecting with our @WHO representatives and their teams across the @WHOEMRO Region. These exchanges are energizing and essential to strengthening our collective impact.

In a recent strategy workshop we reflected on 2025, drew key lessons and discussed country-specific challenges, focusing on practical solutions to turn our vision and flagship initiatives into measurable results in 2026.

Looking ahead, we’re streamlining integrated programmes, boosting accountability and deepening collaboration. Each WHO Representative identified clear 2026 priorities to ensure WHO remains fit for purpose to support countries and responsive to national needs.

I’m excited to see these ideas translate into action and real impact for the communities we serve.

Together for a healthier future.

Read more: https://t.co/rvzUnnW5w7

[WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean @WHOEMRO]

The latest issue of the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (Volume 31, Number 11) is now available, featuring research and analysis on some of the most pressing public health concerns.

It explores
🔵the impact of the recent funding cuts on health care and strategies to mitigate it
🔵research priorities to provide evidence for strengthening health systems
🔵perspectives on the WHO Global HEARTS Initiative and hypertension
🔵primary health care financing; and health care workforce retention.

Read the full issue here:

🔗 https://t.co/mYb9sAvXBr

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

إليكم مقابلتي الكاملة مع قناة سي إن إن على هامش منتدى دوحة السنوي الثالث و العشرون، حيث أتطرق إلى الثغرات الأكثر إلحاحًا التي تواجه النُّظُم الصحية في جميع أنحاء إقليم شرق المتوسط، والتي تشكلها الصراعات والنزوح والهشاشة الاقتصادية، ويؤدي إلى تفاقمها نقص القوى العاملة بسبب الهجرة، والإتاحة المحدودة للرعاية الصحية، ونقص الأدوية، والأثر الدائم لفيروس كوفيد-19.

وأوضحتُ كيف يضع المكتب الإقليمي لمنظمة الصحة العالمية لشرق المتوسط معايير صحية عالمية، ويضمن عدم تخلف أحد عن الرَكب، ويدعم البلدان في الاستجابة للفاشيات واستئصال شلل الأطفال، ولماذا تُعدُّ الصحة العامة استثمارًا يعزز المجتمعات والاقتصادات والاستقرار على المدى الطويل.

المقابلة الكاملة: https://t.co/3dRkEMgpqD

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

Sharing my full interview with @CNN, where I reflect on the most urgent gaps facing health systems across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, shaped by conflict, displacement, economic fragility and compounded by workforce shortages due to migration, limited access to health care, medicine shortages and the lasting impact of COVID-19.

I explain how @WHOEMRO sets global health standards, ensures no one is left behind, supports countries in outbreak response and eradicating polio, and why public health is an investment that strengthens societies, economies and long-term stability.

Full interview 🔗 https://t.co/3dRkEMgpqD

[WHO IRAN @whoiriran]

Tragic reality: Motorcyclists account for over 1/5 of all road fatalities in Iran. 😔
Today, the NRSC and WHO were hosting a key UN consultative workshop in Tehran to tackle this by adopting global helmet standards. A major step for #MotorcycleSafety.
#RoadSafety @AwadMataria

[Awad MATARIA @AwadMataria]

Earlier this month I assumed the role of A/WHO Rep to IR Iran. On my 2nd week, I am pleased to welcome a 3-levels @WHO team to support country’s efforts in Mental Health & Substance Use.

2⃣ Critical @WHOEMRO priorities given special context & regional initiatives

@HananBalkhy

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

Delighted to join the panel on Workforce Development at the Forbes Middle East – Healthcare Innovation Circle in Riyadh 🇸🇦.

Health care is a major driver of economies and investing in the health workforce is an integral part of this reality. In addition to training and licensing it also involves investing in research and development, manufacturing medical products, strengthening regulatory authorities, and improving the work conditions of the health workforce itself.

I urge governments in our @WHOEMRO Region to elevate health care to the top of their national agendas.

Check out the website on our flagship initiatives including investing in a resilient and sustainable health workforce:

https://t.co/lhhuYibnMI.

@Forbes_MENA_
#Partners4Health

[HananBalkhyحنان بلخي @HananBalkhy]

At @WHOEMRO, we’re delivering smarter, faster and with greater impact. From bold health reforms to emergency response, the Regional Strategic Operational Plan and three flagship initiatives are helping countries build resilient, more equitable and self-reliant health systems.

Thanks to all our partners for bringing hope and dignity to millions across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

#EMRC72 #Partners4Health