SITUATION REPORT: Middle East Escalation of Conflict - Global Situation Report #6 - 30 April 2026

No images? Click here Friday, 01 May 2026 Middle East Escalation of Conflict, Global external situation report #6 - 30 April 2026 The sixth global public WHO situation report on the conflict in the Middle East was published on 30 April.  It covers the health situation and WHO operational updates from affected countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean and European regions, as well as WHO's global response activities and priorities. Acute health threats Although ceasefire arrangements involving Iran and Lebanon continue to hold, the situation remains fragile, with a persistent risk of escalation affecting civilians and access to health services.  Health systems are being impacted by a shortage of medicines and supplies, and impacts beyond the hotspot areas are beginning to emerge.  Closure of essential and maternal health services have severe consequences on women and children’s health. In Lebanon, many health facilities remain closed.  Medical supply availability remains stable at present, with no immediate critical shortages reported.  Access constraints, intermittent service disruptions, and increased pressure on health facilities are being observed in areas affected by insecurity and population movement. WHO’s priorities remain focused on maintaining up-to-date risk and resource mapping; advancing technical guidance on community protection and risk communication, including for environmental/health-related risk scenarios; and sustaining coordination with partners, particularly in relation to water, sanitation and hygiene and infection prevention and control interventions, as well as mental health, with a focus on displaced populations. Emergency needs assessments are ongoing, including for people living with chronic conditions.  WHO is monitoring displacement patterns to better assess the risk and strengthen operational planning.  WHO continues to monitor and verify attacks on health care as part of its core mandate.  This enables timely, forward-looking analysis to identify where health systems are under increasing strain and where targeted support with medicines, medical and trauma supplies, and other essential health products may be required. WHO global and regional response Since the beginning of the conflict, WHO delivered over US $3 million in health supplies, with support from the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Humanitarian City, to reach an estimated 7 million beneficiaries through air charters to Afghanistan and Egypt (for Gaza) and land convoys to Lebanon and Egypt (for Gaza). WHO has begun assessing the long-term health impacts of this crisis globally, to identify mitigation measures that can begin to be implemented now. For additional information on the global situation and response, please visit https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/middle-east-conflict Media contacts: mediainquiries@who.int   You are receiving this NO-REPLY email because you are included on a WHO mail list. If you have been forwarded this update you can click here to subscribe. Journalists may send feedback to WHO Media Team         Share    Tweet    Share    Forward  World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva 27, Switzerland  Unsubscribe