Opening Remarks by Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at Webinar on Cyber Security in Health Care

23 July 2026

Good morning, distinguished colleagues, representatives of ministries of health, government institutions, WHO country offices, partner organizations, and participants joining us from across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

I extend a particularly warm welcome to the Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union Mr. Adel Darwish and our colleagues from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Your presence reflects the importance of bringing together expertise from the health, digital, telecommunications and law enforcement communities to address one of the fastest-growing threats facing health systems.

Digital technologies have transformed health care across our Region. Electronic health records, telemedicine, connected medical devices, artificial intelligence and digital surveillance systems are now indispensable to modern health systems.

But this transformation has also created new vulnerabilities.

Cyberattacks are no longer simply an information technology issue. They are a patient safety issue, a health security issue and, ultimately, a public health issue.

Attacks against hospitals can delay life-saving treatment, interrupt emergency services, compromise sensitive patient information and undermine public trust.

Our Region faces particular challenges. Many countries are strengthening digital health systems while also responding to conflict, humanitarian emergencies, displacement and resource constraints. These pressures can leave health institutions especially vulnerable to cyber threats.

As countries continue their digital transformation, cybersecurity must become an integral part of health system resilience. Investing in cybersecurity means investing in safer, more reliable health services.

WHO's role extends beyond providing technical guidance. As a trusted convener, we bring together ministries of health, national cybersecurity authorities, telecommunications regulators, law enforcement agencies, development partners and international organizations.

This is why our collaboration with ITU and UNODC is so valuable. ITU brings global expertise in digital technologies, cybersecurity standards and national capacity-building. UNODC contributes expertise in combating cybercrime, strengthening legal frameworks and supporting international cooperation. Together, we can help countries develop comprehensive and sustainable approaches to protecting health systems.

As cyber threats evolve, our response must evolve even faster. Building resilience requires sustained political commitment, stronger governance, investment in workforce capacity and effective partnerships across sectors and borders.

I hope today's webinar will strengthen regional collaboration, connect experts and institutions, raise awareness of available initiatives and resources, and identify opportunities for coordinated technical support.

Above all, I hope it will encourage Member States to make cybersecurity a core component of health emergency preparedness and health system resilience.

Together, we can ensure that digital innovation strengthens health care without compromising patient safety or health security.