Middle East Conflict: Health Systems and Public Health Under Severe Strain
- Health systems across the Middle East are facing severe strain following an escalation of conflict that began on February 28, 2026.
- National health authorities in Iran have reported more than 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries.
- The conflict is directly impacting the infrastructure required to save lives.
Health systems across the Middle East are facing severe strain following an escalation of conflict that began on February 28, 2026. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that rising injuries, mass displacement, and targeted attacks on medical facilities are creating a deepening health crisis across the region.
The human cost of the hostilities is significant. National health authorities in Iran have reported more than 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries. In Lebanon, authorities report at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries, while Israeli authorities report 15 deaths and 2,142 injuries.
Attacks on Health Care Infrastructure
The conflict is directly impacting the infrastructure required to save lives. Since February 28, 2026, the WHO has verified 18 attacks on health care in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of eight health workers.
In Lebanon, 25 verified attacks on health care during the same period have led to 16 deaths and 29 injuries. 49 primary health care centers and five hospitals in Lebanon have shut down following evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military.
These disruptions deprive communities of essential care. The WHO has emphasized that health workers, patients, and facilities must be protected under international humanitarian law.
Public Health Risks and Displacement
Beyond immediate trauma injuries, the conflict is generating broader public health emergencies. In Lebanon, up to 700,000 people have been internally displaced, many of whom are residing in crowded collective shelters.
In Iran, more than 100,000 people have relocated to other areas of the country due to insecurity. These displaced populations often face deteriorating conditions with limited access to sanitation, hygiene, and safe water.
The WHO warns that these conditions increase the risk of communicable illnesses, specifically diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, with women and children being the most vulnerable.
Environmental hazards are further compounding the crisis in Iran. Petroleum fires and smoke from damaged infrastructure have exposed communities to toxic pollutants. These hazards potentially cause skin and eye irritation, breathing problems, and the contamination of food and water sources.
Constraints on Medical Access and Supplies
Medical services are becoming increasingly constrained across several countries. In the occupied Palestinian territory, checkpoint closures and movement restrictions are delaying the access of mobile clinics and ambulances across several governorates in the West Bank.
In Gaza, medical evacuations have remained suspended since February 28, 2026. Hospitals there continue to operate under extreme strain, facing shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and medicines. Fuel is currently being rationed to prioritize maternal and neonatal services, emergency and trauma care, and the management of communicable diseases.
The crisis is exacerbated by logistical failures. Temporary airspace restrictions have disrupted the movement of medical supplies from the WHO global logistics hub in Dubai. This has created significant backlogs for more than 50 emergency supply requests intended to benefit over 1.5 million people across 25 countries.
Priority shipments currently affected include those for Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Al Arish, Egypt, to support the response in Gaza.
Systemic Strain and Funding Gaps
The current escalation occurs while humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are already among the highest globally. Approximately 115 million people in the region require humanitarian assistance, representing nearly half of all people in need worldwide.
Despite this need, humanitarian health emergency appeals remain 70% underfunded. To address the immediate crisis, the WHO has launched a $30.3 million flash appeal for five Middle East countries.
The strain on health systems is further intensified by fuel shortages that threaten the operation of essential equipment and generators. This has led to interruptions in routine immunization programs, oncology treatment, maternal health services, and dialysis.
The WHO is calling for all parties to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, protect civilians and health care, and pursue de-escalation to allow communities to recover.