top of page

Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) Region

Countries in the Region

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

EAST MED REGION.png

About the Region

Neonatal health in the Eastern Mediterranean region is a pressing concern. Despite progress in reducing under-5 mortality and maternal mortality, the region has seen slower progress in reducing neonatal mortality. Between 1990 and 2015, neonatal mortality decreased by 37%, compared to a 48% reduction in under-5 mortality and a 54% reduction in maternal mortality ¹. The Leading Causes of Neonatal Mortality include preterm births, intrapartum complications, neonatal sepsis, and congenital anomalies. 

The burden of neonatal deaths in the region is mainly concentrated in nine countries, which account for over 97% of the overall number of neonatal deaths. These countries include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, and Yemen. To address the high rates of neonatal mortality, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) Region it's essential to scale up evidence-based interventions and practice guidelines, such as essential newborn care, breastfeeding promotion, skin-to-skin contact, proper cord care, trained and skilled birth attendants, and adequate training and equipment for healthcare providers to resuscitate newborns in distress.

By implementing these interventions and addressing the underlying causes of neonatal mortality, the Eastern Mediterranean region can make significant progress in reducing neonatal deaths and improving the health and well-being of newborns.

Meet the Regional Director, Dr Shela Hirani

Dr Shela Hirani is an Associate Professor at the University of Regina, Canada. She is a neonatal and child health nursing professional, lactation consultant, researcher, and an advocate of baby-friendly initiatives. Her professional goal is to improve neonatal health and improve the well-being of marginalized women and young children through her research work, leadership and community services. She has established her program of research entitled Breastfeeding Advocacy Research: Program, Practices and Policies (BARPPP). Dr. Hirani’s research is pertinent to breastfeeding advocacy in diverse care settings and health promotion of the vulnerable population of breastfeeding mothers and young children affected by the disaster, displacement, and migration. She is leading various funded research based in low-middle-income and high-income countries, including Pakistan and Canada.

bottom of page