Hanan Balkhy

Dr. Hanan Balkhy is the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. She is currently newsworthy due to the escalating health crisis in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Iran, resulting from the ongoing regional war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Dr. Balkhy has urged for a complete stop to hostilities to prevent further deterioration of the health situation and emphasized the need to treat hospitals and healthcare facilities as safe havens. The WHO, under her direction, is updating guidance and preparing for potential impacts on healthcare systems. Recent reports indicate that at least 13 hospitals and health facilities have been hit during attacks on Iran, further highlighting the severity of the crisis and the urgency of Dr. Balkhy's appeals. Her role is significant in coordinating the WHO's response to the crisis and advocating for the protection of healthcare infrastructure and personnel in the region.