Communicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: prevention and control 2010-2011

• Published in: Eastern Mediterranean health journal Vol. 19; no. 10; pp. 888 - 891
• Main Authors: Haq, Z, Mahjour, J, Khan, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Egypt World Health Organization 01-10-2013
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Communicable Disease Control - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Immunization; Middle East - epidemiology; Mortality; Public health; Tuberculosis; Vaccination; Vaccines; Middle East
• ISSN: 1020-3397; 1687-1634
• DOI: 10.26719/2013.19.10.888

One-third of all morbidities and mortalities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are attributed to communicable diseases. A continued situation of war and conflict, and growing political unrest in the Region, coupled with factors such as travel and migration, and insufficient infrastructure and inadequate technical and managerial capacity ofthe programmes are the major challenges. Despite these challenges, the Region continued making progress towards the elimination of specific diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, measles, malaria, schistosomiasis and dracunculiasis during 2010-11. Coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases was enhanced. Preparedness and response to emerging (e.g. dengue fever in Pakistan and Yemen) and re-emerging (e.g. cholera in Sudan) infections was improved. The Region has continued its efforts for controlling tuberculosis and curbing HIV/AIDS. Looking ahead, the Region aims to improve surveillance and response capacities, legislation issues, coordination, bio-risk and bio-security and quality management in the coming years.