Hanan Balkhy as the next WHO leader? Iran war may complicate things
Hanan Balkhy, the director of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean region, is facing a myriad of challenges in her current role. With several countries in her region caught up in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Balkhy is losing sleep over the impact on individuals’ health and safety, as well as on entire healthcare systems.
At the same time, Balkhy is also being considered as a potential candidate for the next director-general of the WHO. The process to select the successor to the current director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will begin later this month or in May, with nominations closing in September or October. Balkhy, who hails from Saudi Arabia and has a background in pediatrics and infectious diseases, will have to make a difficult decision about whether to run for the position amidst the ongoing challenges in her region.
In a recent interview with STAT, Balkhy discussed the possibility of entering the race, the pressure to represent the EMRO region in the director-generalship, and the current challenges faced by her organization due to the conflict in Iran and beyond. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Balkhy remains concerned about the potential escalation of the conflict into nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare, which keeps her up at night.
As the situation in her region remains volatile, Balkhy emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with other regions and ensuring that necessary support is in place for member states. She also acknowledged the value of engaging with the U.S. and other key stakeholders in global health, despite the challenges posed by the U.S.’s withdrawal from the WHO.
Ultimately, Balkhy’s decision to run for the position of WHO director-general will require careful consideration and may involve taking an administrative leave from her current role. As she navigates these complex issues, Balkhy remains focused on her commitment to public health and the well-being of individuals in her region and beyond. Israel is a country located in the Middle East but falls under WHO’s European region. This unique geographical positioning brings about various challenges and considerations, particularly in times of crisis.
One major concern is the potential for attacks on desalination sites in the region. Desalination plants play a crucial role in providing water for several countries, with up to 100% reliance on these facilities. If these sites were to be targeted, the consequences would be dire – no water for drinking, cooking, or agriculture.
The ripple effect of such an event would be mass migration, leading to chaos, overcrowding, and displaced populations. Already, millions of people are displaced in countries like Iran and Lebanon, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
In Dubai, a key humanitarian center, the closure of airspace due to recent events disrupted the flow of emergency supplies. WHO’s emergency supplies distribution system was effectively shut down, forcing authorities to seek alternative routes and solutions to ensure aid reaches those in need.
The global health architecture and the restructuring of systems to address long-term issues and health emergencies are crucial topics that require attention. Investing in building robust systems, even during humanitarian crises, is essential for ensuring effective responses and sustainable healthcare solutions.
As the regional director of EMRO, navigating through these complexities and advocating for comprehensive approaches to global health challenges is a top priority. By addressing these critical issues and shining a light on overlooked aspects of the global health sphere, we can work towards a healthier and more resilient future for all.
