Statement from the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean on the occasion of World Health Day 2026.



WORLD HEALTH DAY

World Health Day 2026 calls on all of us to stand with science.

Science is the cornerstone of everything we do in health. It helps us understand diseases, develop vaccines and treatments, and deliver care more efficiently and affordably—making services more equitable and accessible.

It enables better, evidence-based decisions and helps protect communities from the growing health risks linked to conflict, climate change and disease.

This year’s theme—“Together for health. Stand with science”—reminds us that evidence alone is not enough. We need trust, cooperation and sustained investment to turn knowledge into action.

Across our Region, health workers and scientists are working every day, often in the most difficult conditions, to save lives and strengthen systems—supported by WHO’s global network of over 800 collaborating centres.

On this World Health Day, let us stand with them. Stand with science—for a healthier, safer future for all.

Dr Hanan Balkhy

Location: Egypt

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