WHO and PAHO Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Hospital Resilience Globally

Cairo, Egypt – February 25, 2026 – The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have formalized a partnership to bolster hospital resilience in the face of increasing health emergencies and disasters. This collaboration aims to ensure hospitals remain functional and capable of delivering life-saving care during crises.

Addressing Strain on Healthcare Systems

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighted the immense strain on hospitals in the region, noting that many are directly under attack. The Eastern Mediterranean Region, she stated, includes some of the world’s most fragile humanitarian contexts and accounts for 40% of global attacks on healthcare facilities [1]. Strengthening hospital resilience is therefore critical for saving lives and sustaining essential services.

Implementing the Resilient Hospitals Operational Framework

The agreement between EMRO and PAHO will center on the implementation of the Resilient Hospitals Operational Framework. This framework provides a practical approach to preparing health facilities to continue operating throughout the disaster risk management cycle, utilizing an all-hazards approach. The goal is to ensure hospitals remain safe, functional, and capable of delivering essential services before, during, and after emergencies.

Joint Efforts for Capacity Building and Resource Mobilization

The collaboration will focus on joint tools and guidance development, capacity-building initiatives, and coordinated resource mobilization. These efforts will support countries in reinforcing infrastructure, protecting health workers, and securing critical supplies.

Leveraging PAHO’s Expertise and Expanding Access to Health Technologies

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized the importance of collective capacity building to anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from shocks. PAHO’s extensive experience, including its Revolving Funds for Vaccines and Strategic Public Health Supplies, will be leveraged to support EMRO in developing efficient procurement mechanisms [2]. This will improve purchasing power, streamline supply chains, and expand access to high-quality health products in underserved communities.

Alignment with Regional Priorities

The agreement aligns with EMRO’s three regional flagship priorities: strengthening health supply chains, expanding workforce capacity, and integrating mental health and substance use services. This reinforces the role of hospitals as the backbone of resilient health systems.

Future Plans and Technical Support

In the coming months, EMRO and PAHO will translate the agreement into joint technical support for countries, including risk assessments, operational guidance, and targeted capacity-building. This support will be provided even in the most fragile and high-risk settings.

PAHO’s decades of experience in protecting health facilities from disasters – including earthquakes, hurricanes, and disease outbreaks – and ensuring fresh facilities are built to withstand future risks will inform the joint work under the agreement, promoting practical solutions tailored to national needs.