WHO warns of worsening health crisis across conflict-hit Middle East

Iraq and Syria face a surge in infectious disease cases

TDT | Manama

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The World Health Assembly adopted a resolution calling for stronger protection of health care in conflict zones, as attacks on medical services, population displacement and disease outbreaks continue to rise across parts of the Middle East.

The resolution, submitted by Lebanon and endorsed by the Council of Arab Health Ministers, urges strengthened safeguards for health services, sustained international support, and greater operational assistance to ensure essential care can continue during times of conflict.

Despite a ceasefire, attacks on health care in Lebanon have continued. Since 2 March 2026, more than 191 incidents targeting medical services have been reported. These incidents resulted in 128 health worker deaths and injuries to 357 others, according to health authorities.

Humanitarian conditions remain severe. More than 127,700 people are still living in collective shelters across Lebanon, while cases of acute watery diarrhoea are rising. Reported infections increased from 504 in week 17 to 803 in week 20, bringing the total to 2,777 cases.

Displacement across borders is also ongoing, with more than 448,000 people reported to have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since early March.

In Syria, public health concerns continue to grow. Authorities have reported 545 measles cases since January 2026, including 96 in the past two weeks. Cutaneous leishmaniasis also remains widespread, with more than 5,800 cases recorded in the first quarter of the year.

Iraq is also facing infectious disease pressures, reporting 88 confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, including eight deaths, underscoring ongoing regional health vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, a strike on 3 June hit Kuwait Airport as well as residential areas and civilian and diplomatic facilities, leaving one person dead and 63 injured. The United Nations House, which hosts the World Health Organization office, was damaged by debris, though no casualties were reported there.

The World Health Organization says its flash appeal for the Middle East conflict response remains severely underfunded, with only 12% of the required US$30.3 million received so far.