WHO EMRO: Global Institute for Disease Elimination Partners with WHO to Combat Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
On June 29, 2026, Cairo, Egypt / Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The WHO EMRO and the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) signed a pivotal partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the eradication of preventable infectious diseases across the region. This collaboration combines technical support, incentivizing funding, and global expertise from both organizations, representing a significant move towards implementing sustainable and integrated approaches to disease elimination in a region facing some of the most complex public health challenges in the world.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration
This partnership signifies a commitment to developing models that can be replicated in various health contexts globally. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, CEO of GLIDE, emphasized, “This partnership is a crucial step in supporting our mission to accelerate the elimination of preventable infectious diseases. By merging our research and innovation-driven approach with the regional expertise of WHO, we focus on integrated surveillance and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the resilience of health systems and long-term disease eradication.” The shared vision rests on a commitment to achieving a healthier, disease-free future for the populations of the Eastern Mediterranean region while contributing to global disease eradication efforts.
Innovative Solutions to Complex Challenges
Dr. Hanan Hassan Al-Balkhi, the Regional Director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean, remarked, “The challenges we face in the region demand innovative, cross-border solutions and strong institutional partnerships. This agreement with GLIDE will accelerate the implementation of our disease elimination framework while leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and improved diagnostic methods. Together, we aim to empower countries to take the lead in identifying and eradicating infectious disease threats to public health and economic growth.”
Strengthening Health Systems Through Technology
The partnership focuses on enhancing integrated disease surveillance systems and fostering innovation and digital transformation in public health. This initiative will build national capacity in utilizing artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. It also supports the newly launched WHO EMRO initiative regarding the elimination of multiple diseases, which seeks to expedite the eradication of infectious diseases—initially targeting 14 high-burden diseases, representing a substantial opportunity for integrated action.
Ensuring Ongoing Vigilance Against Poliovirus
As part of this agreement, there is a renewed emphasis on leadership and advocacy to bolster polio surveillance, assisting both polio-endemic and polio-free nations to maintain the vigilance and technical capacity necessary to achieve and sustain a polio-free status. With a shared vision and commitment to strengthening public health systems and advancing disease elimination efforts, the institute and the organization will explore additional areas of collaboration to enhance regional health security and contribute to global initiatives aimed at eradicating preventable infectious diseases.