{"title":"Lives within reach: Suicide prevention in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Hanan H Balkhy","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.4.177","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.4.177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Every year, more than 720 000 people die by suicide globally-the vast majority in low- and middle-income countries. In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), over 27 000 lives were lost to suicide in 2021 alone. Seventy-one percent were male and nearly half were under the age of 30 years (2). Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15-19 years, and while rates have declined over 2 decades, the region is not yet on track to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of one-third reduction by 2030. Behind every figure is a family shattered, a community diminished. These deaths are not inevitable- they are preventable.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 4","pages":"177-178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148229821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David Collins, Ali Al-Taie, David Hipgrave, Omar Abdul Ameer Al Gumrawi, Ahlam Aziz Ali
{"title":"Funding, service and resource gaps at primary health care centres in Iraq.","authors":"David Collins, Ali Al-Taie, David Hipgrave, Omar Abdul Ameer Al Gumrawi, Ahlam Aziz Ali","doi":"doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.4.182","DOIUrl":"doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.4.182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limited resources have hampered progress towards Universal Health Coverage at the primary health care level in Iraq.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyse the cost of primary health care services in Iraq and identify the resource gaps.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the CORE Plus tool, we collected and analysed data on finance and other resources, and services provided by 15 primary health care centres across 11 governorates in Iraq. We calculated the normative utilisation and cost estimates and compared them with the actual figures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Primary health care services were underutilised: only 52% (33-67%) of the 81 listed services were utilised across the 15 centres, and there was an average of only 1.2 visits per capita per year, compared with the estimated need of 4.5 visits. The expenditure incurred for the actual number of services was 2.5 times higher than the normative cost, due to over-staffing, despite shortages of medicines and supplies. The cost of meeting the need for 4.5 visits would be 21% more than the actual expenditure, but staffing costs would have to be reduced by 39% and medicines and supplies financing increased by 640%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Funding for services at the primary health centres in Iraq was insufficient although the centres were overstaffed. To improve access and quality of services and progress towards Universal Health Coverage, staffing should be aligned with service needs and adequate resources provided.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 4","pages":"182-187"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148229732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Akbar Fotouhi, Susan Mahmoudi, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Farid Fotouhi, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
{"title":"Gaps and challenges in the national immunisation programme of Islamic Republic of Iran.","authors":"Akbar Fotouhi, Susan Mahmoudi, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Farid Fotouhi, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.3.164","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.3.164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved high immunisation coverage for routine childhood vaccines; however, gaps remain in the scope and alignment with global immunisation priorities.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the status of childhood immunisation programme in Islamic Republic of Iran and identify gaps and challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We reviewed and analysed secondary data from published literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar until 3 September 2024, including official reports and WHO and UNICEF immunisation databases. We compared the results with those of selected Eastern Mediterranean Region countries and the global immunisation priorities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Immunisation coverage in Islamic Republic of Iran exceeded 99% for several childhood vaccines, supported by established programme infrastructure and domestic vaccine production. Gaps were identified in the inclusion of vaccines such as human papillomavirus, varicella and hepatitis A. The national immunisation programme aligns with several WHO vaccination strategies but with limited coverage beyond the childhood years. Challenges affecting coverage included financial constraints, fragmented data systems and vaccine hesitancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite remarkable achievements, systemic challenges remain in the national immunisation programme of Islamic Republic of Iran. Strengthening life-course immunisation through targeted investment, policy updates and stronger surveillance will help align the programme with the global immunisation goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 3","pages":"164-171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147577081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mir S Hakim, Mohammad H Hashimi, Khwaja Mi Saeed, Shoaib Naeemi, Faridullah Safi, Sayed A Sayedzai, Hizbullah Jalil, Delawar K Noorzai, Sharif Ah Ahmadzai, Abdul W Amiri
{"title":"Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV among male injecting drug users in Afghanistan.","authors":"Mir S Hakim, Mohammad H Hashimi, Khwaja Mi Saeed, Shoaib Naeemi, Faridullah Safi, Sayed A Sayedzai, Hizbullah Jalil, Delawar K Noorzai, Sharif Ah Ahmadzai, Abdul W Amiri","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.2.61","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.2.61","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Viral hepatitis and HIV infections are common public health concerns among injecting drug users, however, there is limited evidence on their seroprevalence in Afghanistan.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV among male injecting drug users at Ibn Sina Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a structured questionnaire, we interviewed 397 injecting drug users at Ibn Sina Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan, between November and December 2022. We collected and tested 3-5 ml blood samples from the participants. We analysed the data using Epi Info version 7.2.1 and used binary logistic regression and χ<sup>2</sup> tests to identify potential predictors of blood-borne hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the total participants, seroprevalence of hepatitis B was 3.79%, hepatitis C 2.77% and HIV 0.50%. Syringe reuse (10%), sharing of syringes (18.6%) and history of blood transfusion (20.2%) were common, but there was no statistically significant association between these predictors and infection (P < 0.05). However, using shared blades was positively associated with hepatitis B infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV seroprevalence were lower in our study than in previous studies, and no significant association was found between the risk factors and these diseases, there is a need to expand harm reduction services beyond needle-syringe programmes to include non-syringe components. The association between shared blade use and hepatitis B infection indicates that harm reduction efforts should also incorporate safe shaving practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 2","pages":"61-68"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The urgency of addressing the physical inactivity crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Hanan H Balkhy","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.3.127","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.3.127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain the foremost cause of premature mortality across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions together account for a substantial and increasing proportion of deaths in countries at varying stages of development in the region. Among the modifiable risk factors driving this epidemic, physical inactivity stands out for 2 reasons: its prevalence is exceptionally high, and the evidence base for addressing it is exceptionally strong. Yet the region's policy response remains fragmented. This editorial argues that reversing physical inactivity in the EMR requires a fundamental shift-from treating movement as a lifestyle preference to recognising movement as a structural determinant of health.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 3","pages":"127-128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147577148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome among adults in Arab countries.","authors":"Waad Arnous, Salwa Aljarayhi, Naji Aljohani","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.3.156","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.3.156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome among adults in Arab countries has not been systematically synthesised.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome among adults in Arab countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for evidence synthesis, meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology, and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we reviewed studies published between January 2015 and January 2025 on vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome among adults aged ≥ 18 years in Arab countries. Statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.5.0; mean serum vitamin D concentrations were compared using unpaired t-tests, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was compared using chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve studies involving 4399 participants from 6 Arab countries were analysed. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among adults with metabolic syndrome and was associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome (pooled odds ratio 1.84; 95% confidence interval 1.15-2.94), with substantial heterogeneity. The association remained significant after sensitivity analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome, there is a need for preventive strategies in the Arab countries. Well-designed interventional studies are needed to clarify causality, assess the effectiveness of vitamin D interventions and determine whether there is a threshold beyond which additional increases in vitamin D provide limited metabolic benefit.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 3","pages":"156-163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147577114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saif Hassan Alrasheed, Saja A Alhoshan, Bashair N Alnasser
{"title":"Refractive error, amblyopia and ocular alignment among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Saif Hassan Alrasheed, Saja A Alhoshan, Bashair N Alnasser","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.3.149","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.3.149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Normal visual development starts early in childhood, and achieving optimal corrected visual acuity, binocular function and ocular alignment is key to healthy visual maturation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the prevalence of refractive error, amblyopia and ocular alignment among school children in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a modified refractive error study in school-aged children protocol, we collected data from 850 children aged 6-17 years from 6 randomly selected schools in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between March and May 2024. We assessed refractive error with a noncycloplegic autorefractometer, ocular alignment with the alternate cover test and prism bar, and anterior/posterior segments using a slit-lamp and ophthalmoscopy. We analysed the data using SPSS version 25 and further analysed the prevalence of refractive error amblyopia and ocular misalignment using MedCalc for Windows. P < 0.05 was regarded as statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of refractive error was 61.1%, including hyperopia (30.5%), myopia (19.3%) and astigmatism (11.3%). M ost children (68.0%) had o rthophoria at near fixation. Phoria was found in 25.5% of children, predominantly exophoria (19.8%), while strabismus was present in 6.5%, mainly esotropia (4.8%). Ocular alignment status was significantly associated with age and gender (P < 0.001). Amblyopia affected 8.4% of the children, with higher prevalence in males (P = 0.034) but there was no significant association with age (P = 0.094). Children without previous eye examinations were at higher risk for developing amblyopia (odds ratio = 3.58, P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of refractive error, amblyopia and strabismus in this study indicates an increased risk of visual disorder among the children. There is therefore a need for routine vision screening and improved access to paediatric eye care.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 3","pages":"149-155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147577100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aseel Hamid, Ahmad Habboush, Sara Isameldin MohamedAhmed Alamin, Dalia Boles, Deena Al Asfoor, Hamid Ravaghi, Kaloyan Kamenov, Hala Sakr Ali, Maria Kett
{"title":"A review of access of persons with disabilities to health care services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Aseel Hamid, Ahmad Habboush, Sara Isameldin MohamedAhmed Alamin, Dalia Boles, Deena Al Asfoor, Hamid Ravaghi, Kaloyan Kamenov, Hala Sakr Ali, Maria Kett","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.2.103","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.2.103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization estimates that 14.7% of the Eastern Mediterranean Region population has significant disabilities, and this figure could increase due to aging, the burden of noncommunicable disease, war, and disaster.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To identify and document the facilitators and barriers to accessing health care services by persons with disabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched Medline and Web of Science for peer-reviewed literature published in English or Arabic on health equity for persons with disabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, from 2011 to July 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-six of the 23 284 publications identified met the inclusion criteria. Disability inclusion in health service provision varied across several countries in the region. Financial barriers, inaccessible or unaffordable transportation, and lack of training of health professionals were the most reported challenges to accessing health care for persons with disability. The most reported facilitators of access were application of spatial accessibility models for severe disabilities, improvements in communication with caregivers, and online training courses to improve the attitude of health care providers and reduce stigma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Persons with disabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region still face health care barriers. To improve access to services, there is a need to improve health communication with and among them; train health care providers on inclusive care; provide financial, transportation and telehealth support; and formulate and implement inclusive evidencebased policies and programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 2","pages":"103-114"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Smartphone addiction and motor-cognitive performance among adolescents in Tunisia.","authors":"Mohamed Yaakoubi, Ahmed Ghorbel, Anis Saddoud, Liwa Masmoudi, Omar Trabelsi, Faical Farhat, Adnene Gharbi","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.2.93","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.2.93","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Smartphone addiction among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health concern, with potential consequences for motor and cognitive development.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the associations between smartphone addiction and motor-cognitive performance among adolescents in Tunisia, using validated digital tools.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between December 2023 and March 2024, we examined 270 students in 3 public middle schools in urban Tunisia. We assessed smartphone addiction using the validated Arabic version of the smartphone addiction scale short version; motor function using the Takei Grip‑D dynamometer, MySprint app and the Flamingo balance test; and cognitive function using the Vienna test system. Group comparisons were conducted using nonparametric tests; associations were examined using Spearman's correlations; and predictive effects were assessed using separate linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and body mass index (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Adolescents classified as addicted (n = 120) demonstrated significantly higher daily smartphone use (454.8 ± 104.8 vs 172.1 ± 108.6 minutes, P < 0.001), slower sprint time (6.09 ± 0.70 vs 5.63 ± 0.54 seconds, P < 0.001), reduced grip strength (22.3 ± 3.5 vs 25.7 ± 4.1 kg, P < 0.001), and lower cognitive accuracy despite faster reaction time (P < 0.01). Addiction severity independently predicted slower sprinting (β = 0.32) and poorer postural stability (β = 0.35, both P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Smartphone addiction is linked to significant motor and cognitive impairment among adolescents in Tunisian schools, with addiction severity predicting slower sprinting and poorer postural stability. Early school-based interventions to promote healthy smartphone habits and physical activity may help prevent long-term motor-cognitive decline among adolescents in Tunisia.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 2","pages":"93-102"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Progress towards elimination of leprosy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.","authors":"Supriya Warusavithana, Mona Osman, Basma Saleh, Nevin Wilson, Vivek Lal, Venkata Rr Pemmaraju","doi":"10.26719/2026.32.2.115","DOIUrl":"10.26719/2026.32.2.115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although leprosy ceased to be a global public health problem in 2000, some countries are still reporting new cases.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate progress towards the interruption of leprosy transmission, and its elimination, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We extracted and analysed leprosy data for 2012-2023 for the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries from the WHO Global Health Observatory. We calculated the new case detection rates, the Grade 2 disabilities case rates and the new child cases per million population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>New case detection rate increased from 3.7 per million population in 2012 to 6.0 in 2018 and then decreased to 3.6 in 2023. Among children aged < 15 years, new case detection rate increased from 0.6 cases per million in 2012 to 1.3 in 2017 and then decreased to 0.5 in 2023. The proportion of females among new cases increased from 34.4% in 2012 to 42.0% in 2023. Grade 2 disability rate decreased from 0.5 cases per million population in 2012 to 0.3 in 2023. By 2023, Egypt, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen accounted for 94% of cases. Thirteen countries reported 0-10 new autochthonous cases annually. The proportion of non-autochthonous cases increased from 3.4% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Some Eastern Mediterranean Region countries are progressing towards the elimination of leprosy. The decrease in leprosy cases among children in the region indicates a reduction in active transmission. Continuous investment by all the countries will enhance early diagnosis and detection, ensure effective disease management and promote social inclusion as outlined by the WHO global leprosy strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":93985,"journal":{"name":"Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit","volume":"32 2","pages":"115-124"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}