WHO warns war in Iran may cause regional public health crises

The WHO warned the war in Iran is worsening health conditions across the Middle East, reporting thousands of deaths and injuries and disruptions to medical supply routes; the agency urged protection for civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The World Health Organization said the war in Iran is worsening public health across the Middle East. National health authorities reported more than 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries in Iran after 10 days of conflict. Lebanon reported at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries, and Israel reported 15 deaths and 2,142 injuries. The WHO noted eight health care workers have died and that hundreds of thousands of people have moved into collective shelters, increasing public health risks. Reported developments: - National authorities and WHO reported more than 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries in Iran; Lebanon at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries; and Israel 15 deaths and 2,142 injuries. - WHO reported eight health care workers have died in Iran. - Hundreds of thousands of people in Iran and Lebanon have moved into collective shelters, which raises the risk of infectious disease spread. - WHO said petroleum fires and damage to infrastructure in Iran have exposed nearby communities to toxic pollutants and reported possible contamination of water and food sources. - Temporary airspace restrictions disrupted movement of medical supplies from WHO's logistics hub in Dubai, creating backlogs in emergency supply requests. Summary: The WHO said the conflict is straining health systems and increasing displacement and environmental health risks across the region. The organization called on parties to protect civilians and health care, ensure unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and pursue de-escalation; further developments are undetermined at this time.