Dr Gezairy, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, is expecting to visit Gaza on early next week, in support of the critical humanitarian situation prevailing following 22 days of Israel military operations in the enclave.

Today, the devastation is huge. Vital infrastructures has been severely compromised or destroyed, resulting in lack of shelter, deterioration of water and sanitation services, food insecurity, overcrowding and severely curtailed access to health services. In this regard, on 15 January, WHO had deplored the shelling of Al Quds and Al Wafa hospitals in Gaza and had called for the respect of the inviolability of the health facilities in conflict zones.

Since the beginning of the conflict on December 27, WHO has been working very closely with health authorities in Egypt and in the occupied Palestinian territory to coordinate the emergency health response. Now that a cease-fire is implemented, WHO, the Ministry of Health, the UNRWA health department and health partners have started health needs assessments to ensure a proper coordination of humanitarian relief in the longer term. The focus is on information gathering on life-saving needs and early recovery activities. WHO is coordinating the Health Cluster international emergency health response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza through its offices and operational hubs in Jerusalem, Gaza, Rafah, Geneva and Cairo.

As part of his agenda, Dr Gezairy will visit several key sites to see the extent of the damage and the response brought by WHO and health partners. He will meet the health authorities, visit the UNRWA office and a hospital. Dr Gezairy will conclude his visit by conducting a Press conference.

A lot is already under way but a huge amount remains to be done. WHO will continue to support the massive reconstruction process by implementing the health system recovery plans and ensuring that local health authorities will have soon the capacity to take over the lead in all these key areas.

This is an open invitation from the World Health Organization and Ministries of Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to all segments of the community and different sectors in the Region to participate in a unique activity the Million Youth March to Stop TB.

The Million Youth March to Stop TB in the Eastern Mediterranean reflects the idea that in each country of this region, conscious and committed individuals, especially young people, equal in number to the rate of TB prevalence (number of patients) in that country, should come out and pledge to play a role in the fight against TB.

The aim is to mobilize a number of people equivalent to the number of patients in each one of the 22 countries that belong to the Region in a march to Stop TB. For example, in Pakistan, where estimated TB prevalence is approx. 500,000 and in Egypt where it is estimated at 20,000, an equal number of students, young professionals and children should rally themselves behind the "Stop TB flag" on the same day, 13th of March.

In Egypt, the Million Youth March to Stop TB will be held on Friday, the 13th of March, within the precinct of the Saladin Citadel, so that all components of society can walk together and show determination to raise the community's awareness of this serious health threat. In all other 26 governorates other gatherings and activities will be organized within educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities.

The National TB Programme will take the lead and communicate with ministries of education, student unions, youth associations, local security departments, NGOs and other stakeholders to participate in the event

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a preventable and curable disease. However, it continues to affect millions of lives in the world and our Region. According to recent estimates, roughly 1 million people are suffering from TB in this Region (Eastern Mediterranean) alone.

This year, the call from WHO aims to launch a movement to raise a united voice seeking to eliminate tuberculosis. This universal Middle East STOP TB walkathon is scheduled in 22 countries, around mid March, to celebrate World TB Day, and involves the participation of members from all sectors of the society.

The Million Youth March to Stop TB is an opportunity to make the decision-makers, media, and society at large, realize that TB today remains an epidemic that needs their urgent attention

Advocacy teams and NGOs in each country, on this occasion, will distribute banners, flyers, buntings and flags all marked with "I am stopping TB–Million Youth March" to create synergy and a unified message.