The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, has warned that cyberattacks on healthcare systems have become a major public health concern, threatening patient safety and health security.
Speaking at a webinar on cybersecurity in healthcare, Dr Balkhy said digital technologies such as electronic health records, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and digital surveillance systems have transformed healthcare delivery across the region but have also introduced new vulnerabilities.
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She noted that cyberattacks can delay life-saving treatment, disrupt emergency services, compromise sensitive patient information and erode public confidence in health systems.
According to Dr Balkhy, countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region face unique challenges as they continue to strengthen digital health systems while responding to conflicts, humanitarian crises, displacement and limited resources, leaving healthcare institutions particularly exposed to cyber threats.
She stressed that cybersecurity must become a core component of resilient health systems, describing investment in digital security as an investment in safer and more reliable healthcare services.
Dr Balkhy highlighted WHO’s collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support countries in strengthening cybersecurity standards, legal frameworks and international cooperation.
She called for stronger political commitment, improved governance, greater investment in workforce capacity and enhanced collaboration across sectors to protect health systems from evolving cyber threats.
Dr Balkhy expressed hope that the webinar would strengthen regional cooperation, raise awareness of available cybersecurity resources and encourage member states to integrate cybersecurity into health emergency preparedness and health system resilience strategies.
