WHO said the 2026 campaign, themed “Together for health. Stand with science,” highlights the role of scientific collaboration in protecting human, animal, and environmental health, while stressing the need to translate evidence into practical policies.
Countries across the region continue to face overlapping pressures, including conflict, displacement, and climate-related threats, which strain health systems and communities.
These challenges, WHO noted, require sustained investment in research, innovation, and locally tailored, evidence-based responses.
Strengthening national research ecosystems and promoting open science are essential to building public trust and improving health outcomes. WHO added that investing in science today enhances the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future health emergencies.
Meanwhile, innovation is accelerating progress in tackling persistent health threats. New vaccines, treatments, and control tools are advancing rapidly, including technologies such as genetically modified mosquitoes and long-acting injectables.
Science is also transforming diagnosis and care. Imaging technologies, including CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, allow non-invasive insights into the human body, improving early detection and saving lives.
The campaign coincides with two global events: The International One Health Summit, hosted by France on 7 April, and the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres, held from 7 to 9 April, bringing together nearly 800 institutions from over 80 countries.
WHO called on governments, scientists, healthcare workers, and the public to rely on evidence-based guidance when making health decisions.
“Science is the cornerstone of everything we do in health. It helps us understand diseases, develop vaccines and treatments, and deliver care more efficiently and affordably,” WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy said.
WHO stressed that science must be trusted and translated into action, noting that informed decisions are key to protecting health, preventing disease, and ensuring access to appropriate care.
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