Report of the WMA Participation to the 72nd Session of the WHO Regional Committee Meeting for the Eastern Mediterranean
Date: 15–17 October 2025
Location: WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), Cairo, Egypt
Delegates:
● Dr. Balkiss Abdelmoula (Tunisia)
● Dr. Mohamed Osman Gafar Abdalla (Sudan/Egypt)
Executive Summary
The World Medical Association (WMA) was represented by two associate members from the Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN) in the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72), which convened under the theme “Together for a healthier future: Action. Access. Equity.” This is the second time JDN actively represents WMA at a WHO regional meeting, after last year’s participation in the WHO RC meeting for Europe.
This year’s WHO EMRO RC meeting focused on building resilient health systems, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and advancing regional strategies for universal health coverage (UHC). The delegation observed discussions on several key technical papers that resulted in the adoption of critical resolutions, participated in different side-events and connected with regional organizations that could be relevant to the future work of the WMA and JDN.
Key Agenda Items and Updates
Delegates received comprehensive updates on the implementation of the Regional Strategic Operational Plan (RSOP) and the overall governance of the Regional Office.
1. Financial and Programmatic Oversight
The Committee reviewed the Annual Report of the Regional Director (2024–2025), which provided essential insights into the financial status and budget execution. Key points included:
● Budget Situation: The session highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the sustainability of health financing and the need for strengthened domestic resource mobilization, particularly as voluntary contributions face potential cuts.
● Resolution Implementation: Updates were provided on the progress and challenges associated with implementing active resolutions, including recommendations for “sunsetting” older, completed mandates to focus efforts on current priorities.
2. Regional Director’s Flagship Projects
The RC72 provided updates on the Regional Director’s three major flagship initiatives, which address key systemic bottlenecks in the Region:
● Expanding Equitable Access to Medical Products,
● Investing in a Resilient and Sustainable Health Workforce,
● and Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use.
Major Outcomes and Adopted Resolutions
Following deliberation on the Technical Papers (Agenda Item 5), the RC approved multiple proposals and adopted three particularly relevant resolutions for the WMA’s work:
| Resolution Title | Importance and Key Outcomes |
| Regional Resolution on Climate Change and Health | The proposal for a tailored, region-specific operational plan was approved. This commitment ensures that climate-related health action is adapted to the EMR’s unique challenges (e.g., extreme heat, dust storms, water scarcity), offering a more practical framework than the Global Action Plan adopted at WHA. |
| Palliative Care in the Eastern Mediterranean RegionPalliative Care in the Eastern Mediterranean Region | Resolution adopted to integrate palliative care services across national health systems, encompassing hospitals, primary care facilities, and community settings, addressing the gap in access for patients with serious illnesses. |
| Health Systems Recovery in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region | Resolution adopted to guide Member States and WHO in strengthening resilience in crisis-affected countries. This framework emphasizes linking humanitarian response with early investment in system rebuilding, ensuring that health systems “build back better” to restore dignity and stability. |
