The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) released its annual report for the year 2024, emphasizing a necessity for developing tailored health solutions to address the unique health challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

The year 2024 was characterized by ongoing conflicts and climate-induced natural disasters following a pandemic, all of which have significantly strained health systems both regionally and globally. To this end, EMPHNET amplifies the need for innovative approaches that align with the region’s diverse economic and sociopolitical contexts. Consequently, it collaborated with ministries of health, UN organizations, international NGOs, and local entities to make such interventions a reality worth documenting.

More specifically, EMPHNET made strides in community engagement, where its impact was especially apparent in conflict-affected and economically challenged countries. Its community-based interventions have proven particularly effective in Yemen, where Polio Village Volunteers significantly improved the reporting of vaccine-preventable diseases. Collaborations with female volunteers further enhanced the administration of ivermectin to combat onchocerciasis, while similar community-led initiatives were carried out in Somalia, in parallel with the conflict in Sudan.

The report placed special emphasis on the organization’s capacity-building efforts in routine immunization and communicable disease response. It indicated that EMPHNET trained over 1,000 health professionals on the latest methods of disease prevention and emergency response across various countries. These training efforts contributed to increasing rates of early disease detection within communities and enabling rapid responses to health threats. EMPHNET also conducted over 45 awareness sessions, training hundreds of influential community leaders to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

To further address workforce shortages, EMPHNET contributed to the expansion of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs). These in-service training programs were tailored to meet the region’s specific needs. The year 2024 saw the launch of more FETP cohorts, as well as the introduction of various FETP modalities that enhance capacities for outbreak investigation and response.

The report also emphasized the region’s commitment to advancing the One Health Approach, a goal achieved through accelerated collaborations for capacity building, the introduction of national training programs, and the operationalization of enhanced surveillance efforts. 

From another angle, the role of implementation research in addressing obstacles hindering the management of non-communicable diseases was also brought to the spotlight. EMPHNET’s interventions have been instrumental in developing solutions, improving access to primary health care services and showcasing the organization’s innovative Family Health Teams (FHT) approach.

To address knowledge-sharing inequity, EMPHNET’s initiatives enhanced the region’s representation in global health research. Through online and offline activities, including conferences, webinars, and publications, EMPHNET played a pivotal role in amplifying local voices and accelerating research production, as highlighted in the report.

Similarly, EMPHNET contributed to the elevation of biosafety and biosecurity standards, where the report indicates that the organization trained 200 lab professionals in 2024. These training sessions focused on best practices to mitigate biological threats and the latest methods for achieving biosafety and biosecurity.

Commenting on the achievements made over the last fiscal year, EMPHNET’s Executive Director, Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour, said, "The outcomes highlighted in this annual report would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our team. They also attest to the trust and support of our strategic partners.” Dr Al Nsour further added that he aspires for EMPHNET to continue working relentlessly and tirelessly to achieve better health for future generations.

The report is available in both Arabic and English, offering a summary of EMPHNET’s ambitions and aspirations for healthier futures.