Middle East Conflict: Rising Deaths, Health System Strain & Humanitarian Crisis – WHO Report

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is rapidly straining already fragile health systems across the region, triggering a deepening health crisis. Beyond the immediate casualties of war, attacks on healthcare facilities, mass displacement, and the disruption of essential medical supplies are creating a complex web of public health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urgently calling for the protection of civilians and healthcare workers, and for unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver critical aid.

The situation is particularly dire in Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territory. The conflict’s impact extends beyond direct injuries, threatening to overwhelm healthcare infrastructure and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of already significant humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where an estimated 115 million people require assistance – nearly half of all people in need globally. The current health emergency appeals are critically underfunded, receiving only 30% of the necessary resources.

Immediate Impacts: Rising Casualties and Damaged Infrastructure

National authorities report a grim toll. As of early March 2026, Iranian health officials have reported more than 1300 deaths and 9000 injuries. In Lebanon, at least 570 deaths and over 1400 injuries have been recorded. Israel reports 15 deaths and 2142 injuries. These numbers are subject to change as the conflict continues and access for verification remains limited.

The deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities is a particularly alarming trend. The WHO has verified 18 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran since February 28th, resulting in 8 deaths among health workers. In Lebanon, 25 attacks on healthcare have resulted in 16 deaths and 29 injuries over the same period. These attacks not only cause immediate loss of life but too deprive communities of essential medical care when they need it most. International humanitarian law unequivocally protects health workers, patients, and healthcare facilities during armed conflict.

Displacement and Public Health Risks

The conflict is driving mass displacement, creating conditions ripe for the spread of infectious diseases. More than 100,000 people in Iran have been forced to relocate due to insecurity, while up to 700,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon. Many of these displaced individuals are sheltering in crowded collective centers with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene – conditions that significantly increase the risk of respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and other communicable illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like women and children.

Environmental hazards are also emerging as a significant concern. In Iran, fires at petroleum facilities and smoke from damaged infrastructure have exposed nearby communities to toxic pollutants, potentially causing respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, and contaminating water and food sources. The long-term health consequences of this exposure remain to be seen.

Access to Healthcare Severely Constrained

Access to essential healthcare services is becoming increasingly restricted across multiple countries. In Lebanon, 49 primary healthcare centers and five hospitals have been forced to shut down following evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, severely reducing the availability of care as medical needs surge. Financial Times reports that Israel anticipates the Lebanon offensive will outlast the conflict with Iran, suggesting a prolonged disruption to healthcare access.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, increased movement restrictions and checkpoint closures are hindering the access of ambulances and mobile clinics to various governorates in the West Bank. In Gaza, medical evacuations have been suspended since February 28th, and hospitals are operating under immense strain due to shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel. Fuel rationing is prioritizing emergency and trauma care, maternal and neonatal services, and the management of communicable diseases, but even these essential services are at risk.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Humanitarian Response

Temporary airspace restrictions are disrupting the delivery of vital medical supplies from the WHO’s global logistics hub in Dubai. More than 50 emergency supply requests, intended to benefit over 1.5 million people across 25 countries, are facing significant backlogs. Priority shipments include supplies for Al Arish, Egypt, to support the Gaza response, as well as for Lebanon and Afghanistan. The first shipment, containing cholera response supplies for Mozambique, is expected to depart in the coming week.

The WHO is working to coordinate the international humanitarian response, but faces significant challenges in accessing affected populations and delivering aid. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access and increased financial support to address the growing health crisis. The current level of funding for humanitarian health emergency appeals – only 70% of requirements – is woefully inadequate to meet the escalating needs.

The Broader Regional Context

This latest escalation occurs within a region already grappling with immense humanitarian challenges. The Eastern Mediterranean Region consistently faces some of the highest levels of humanitarian need globally. Beyond the immediate conflict zones, countries like Syria, Yemen, and Sudan continue to experience protracted crises, further straining regional resources and exacerbating health vulnerabilities. The interconnectedness of these crises demands a coordinated and comprehensive response.

The situation is further complicated by the potential for the conflict to disrupt ongoing efforts to address other public health priorities, such as vaccination campaigns and the control of non-communicable diseases. The diversion of resources and the disruption of healthcare services could have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of populations across the region.

Looking Ahead: Urgent Needs and Calls for Action

The WHO continues to call on all parties to protect civilians and healthcare, ensure unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and pursue de-escalation of the conflict. Without these critical steps, the strain on vulnerable populations and already fragile health systems will only continue to grow. The immediate priorities include restoring access to healthcare services, providing essential medical supplies, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The international community must also address the underlying factors contributing to the humanitarian crisis, including the chronic underfunding of health emergency appeals and the lack of political solutions to protracted conflicts. A long-term commitment to strengthening health systems and building resilience is essential to prevent future crises and ensure that all people have access to the healthcare they need.

The next key development to watch will be the WHO Executive Board meeting scheduled for March 24-28, 2026, where the situation in the Middle East is expected to be a prominent agenda item. Updates from this meeting will provide further insight into the evolving health crisis and the international response.

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