Middle East Escalation of Conflict – Global Situation Report #2, 02 April 2026

This is the second global public WHO situation report on the conflict in the Middle East. It covers the health situation and WHO operational updates from affected countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean and European regions, as well as WHO’s global response activities and priorities.

Middle East Escalation of Conflict, Global external situation report #2 – 2 April 2026

Acute health threats

The overall health threats have remained the same since the last situation report, namely risks related to trauma and injuries, disrupted access to health care, disease spread among displaced populations and radiological, nuclear and industrial chemical risks, including the potential impact on environmental health and access to water. The economic impact is expanding beyond the immediately affected region, and indirectly related health risks may be increasing.

WHO global and regional response

WHO continues to support countries to implement and maintain emergency health services when requested, while continuing its health development programmes with affected countries through its country offices, with support of its regional and global offices and health partners. WHO is monitoring the health situation of displaced persons and people on the move in collaboration with partners across the regions.

WHO is delivering lifesaving supplies to affected countries. Since 18 March, with support from the European Union (ECHO), Dubai Humanitarian and partners, WHO has mobilized over 60 tonnes of medical supplies for Lebanon, including nearly 40 tonnes delivered from Europe via the EU Humanitarian Airbridge. The WHO Global Logistics Center in Dubai has dispatched a 4-truck humanitarian convoy carrying 22 metric tonnes of trauma emergency surgery supplies and specialized medicines (value: US$ 360 000), sufficient to support ~50 000 patients, including ~40 000 surgical interventions. After seven days on the road, the convoy reached Lebanon on 1 April. Additionally, A 3-truck convoy carrying 22.3 metric tonnes of medical supplies to Gaza departed on 1 April 2026, enough to treat around 110 000 patients.

Early operational actions focus on environmental health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) risks, particularly the impacts of petroleum fires, black rain, and repeated strikes on water infrastructure, such as desalination plants. WHO is strengthening surveillance, exposure assessment, and risk communication on protecting drinking water sources and mitigating contamination. Current risks across the region underscore the need for continued monitoring and public guidance.