Since 7 October 2023, the escalating crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory has caused large numbers of civilian deaths and injuries.

In the Gaza Strip, airstrikes and a lack of medical supplies, food, water and fuel have virtually depleted an already under-resourced health system. Hospitals have been operating far beyond capacity due to rising numbers of patients as well as displaced civilians seeking shelter. The provision of essential health services – from maternal and newborn care to treatment for chronic conditions – has been severely compromised. 

Between 7 and 15 October 2023, a series of earthquakes and aftershocks hit Herat Province in western Afghanistan, causing 1,482 deaths, 2,100 injuries, and 3,330 homes damaged. Aftershocks continued until 28 October 2023. Around 43,400 people (23% are children under the age of five) are directly affected across six districts: Injil, Kushk/Rabat-e-Sangai, Zindajan, Gulran, Herat and Kohsan of Herat Province, and 114,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Many survivors were left in temporary shelters in Herat city or villages of their origin with congested and poor hygiene conditions.

On 6 February 2023, a series of large earthquakes hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria, followed by hundreds of aftershocks.

Since the earthquake hit Syria, WHO has been providing supplies and working with health officials to direct medical teams and support to where they are most needed. WHO has also released more than US$ 16 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, including US$ 3 million within hours of the disaster, in both Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic.

Japan and WHO officially launch project to provide emergency medical assistance to 2.7 million people in 29 drought-affected districts in Somalia

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. Researchers have estimated that every year, there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Most people infected with Vibrio cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Cholera is often predictable, preventable and can ultimately be eliminated where access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and satisfactory hygiene conditions are ensured and sustained for the whole population.

The region is reeling from the worst drought in 40 years and other climate shocks, the impact of the pandemic and rising global food prices. A hunger crisis is a health crisis. Displacement often leads to an increase in infectious diseases, and malnutrition makes people more likely to get sick. Many families have left their homes in search of food, water and pasture for animals. Uprooted, they often lack access to health services just when they are needed most.

Unusually heavy monsoon rains from mid-June to September resulted in flash floods and standing water across Pakistan, causing human and livestock casualties as well as widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Approximately 10% of all of Pakistan’s health facilities have been damaged, leaving millions without access to health care.WHO is delivering supplies needed by health facilities, and increasing disease monitoring to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.