Regional press briefing on health emergencies
4 December 2024
Good afternoon, everyone, and greetings from Cairo.
As we hold our final press briefing of the year, I am reflecting on the steadily increasing health needs of our Region, and the road that lies ahead.
This has been a profoundly difficult year, marked by tremendous grief and loss for the people of our Region. The path ahead is fraught with challenges as we strive for peace, and work towards rebuilding and recovery.
The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic this past week adds to the volatility in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
In yet another testing time for the country, we urge that politics does not override humanity and dignity. Civilian lives, humanitarian workers and critical infrastructure – especially health services, which are lifelines in times of conflict – must be protected.
We are vigilantly monitoring all developments. Last week, a charter plane full of emergency response kits landed in Damascus and essential medicines and supplies crossed into Idlib to provide immediate medical support.
We are scaling up trauma care to hospitals in areas affected by increased fighting, restoring operations in priority facilities, and mobilizing health teams. Aid is reaching those in need, but continued, unhindered access on all sides is critical to supporting our health partners and sustaining these efforts. Our commitment to the people of Syria and their fundamental right to health is unwavering.
Turning to Lebanon,
As of now, despite several reports of violations, a fragile ceasefire seems to be holding in the country. Any halt in fighting brings relief, but now we must