WHO Reveals Health Crisis Increases During Conflicts in the Middle East

Illustration (istockphoto)

JAKARTA - As the conflict in the Middle East heats up, the health crisis in the region is also increasing. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a health pressure due to injuries, attacks on health care, to the increased risk of public health.

Quoted from the WHO official website, on Monday, March 16, 2026, national health authorities in Iran reported more than 1,300 deaths and 9 thousand injuries. In Lebanon, at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries were reported, and in Israel, 15 deaths and 2,142 injuries were reported.

At the same time, the conflict is affecting health services meant to save lives. These attacks not only take lives, but also deprive communities of care when they need it most.

"Health workers, patients, and health facilities must always be protected under international humanitarian law," the WHO statement said.

In addition to the effects of the attacks, the conflict also has the potential to create broader public health risks. Many people are moving from the conflict countries, and more and more are in shelters.

Collective shelters that are overcrowded under worsening public health conditions, limited access to clean water, sanitation, can increase the risk of various diseases.

Starting from increasing the risk of respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and other infectious diseases. This is very dangerous, especially for the most vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Without protection for health care, sustainable humanitarian access, financial support, and stronger operations, the pressure on vulnerable populations and already fragile health systems will continue to increase.

Therefore, WHO asks all parties to protect civilians and health care. It is also hoped that humanitarian access such as from the WHO's global logistics center in Dubai will not be hindered, in order to maintain public health and move towards peace.