Mediterranean Regional Committee EMPHNET Set to Make Notable Contributions to EMR Health Policies 

In a notable development made within the field of public health, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) was granted the status of "non-member state actor and observer” within the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee. This designation was announced during the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. The validity of this designation spans over a period of three-years commencing October 17, 2024.

 As the official body responsible for taking decisions for the WHO regarding the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean convenes annually to identify health priorities, discuss pertinent health issues, and to carry out decisions that shape the future of public health in the region. 

This title was granted EMPHNET on account of its influence and its noteworthy contributions towards enhancing public health systems in the region. This coveted accreditation grants EMPHNET the right to actively participate in the committee’s high-level discussions, while contributing to the development of health policies pertaining to the region. This status further serves to solidify EMPHNET’s position as a key player in the regional public health arena. 

EMPHNET’s active participation in committee discussions enables it to ensure that its initiatives align with regional and global health goals, while its presence on this committee also grants it the opportunity to strengthen its partnerships and collaborations with other key regional players.

Therefore, EMPHNET will actively contribute to discussions pertaining to the strengthening of health systems, the response to disease outbreaks, and emergency preparedness and response, whereby it will be lending its visionary outlook on these issues. EMPHNET’s expertise in these areas stems from its vast experience in the provision of technical support for Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), and its interventions in the area of health workforce capacity building, and the One Health Approach.

 This designation is a reflection of the solid efforts the organization has been making towards enhancing health systems regionally, as well as its pioneering position in the area of field epidemiology. Over the years, EMPHNET has effectively contributed to building country capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats. Its efforts encompass the building of workforce capacities, the dissemination of knowledge and publications, and the strengthening of community engagement. Such interventions have assisted ministries of health as well as other organizations to respond to complex health threats. It has contributed to the reduction of threats that increase the spread of communicable diseases, reduce health security, and that hinder the response to public health emergencies.

Within this development, EMPHNET will strengthen its collaborations with the WHO  and member countries. It will also guarantee the alignment of its goals and initiatives with regional health strategies. Furthermore, it is set to facilitate more coordinated efforts towards emerging health threats including; zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the impact of climate change on health.

EMPHNET is also set utilize its regional network of health professionals, and FETP residents and graduates, which will in turn lead to the crafting of a unified vision and the engagement in fruitful discussions for the bettering of regional health status, while advancing the effectiveness of the One Health Approach through multisectoral coordination towards disease surveillance and response. 

As EMPHNET embarks on this new journey with the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee, its future discussions will be committed to ensuring health security and public health preparedness. It will actively benefit from the ample opportunities available to it to contribute to the shaping of regional health policies. 

This recognition is a new chapter in EMPHNET’s mission to elevate public health status in the region. It will lend its expertise regarding pressing health issues, while contributing best practices, helping to achieve universal health coverage, health security, and sustainable development, all while adopting a collaborative approach that encompasses the region’s ministries of health, the WHO, as well as local, regional, global development organizations.