Remarks by Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director WHA79 High-Level Global Event Recognizing Traumatic Brain Injury as a Notifiable & Chronic Condition

17 May 2026

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, and partners,

Traumatic brain injury is one of the most significant yet overlooked public health challenges of our time.

An estimated 69 million people sustain a TBI every year, yet it remains under-recognized in many health systems and policy frameworks. Too often, it is treated as a single acute event rather than a condition with lifelong consequences.

This is particularly important for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Across our Region, countries continue to face conflict, displacement, road traffic injuries, disasters and repeated humanitarian emergencies. Nine of our 22 Member States and territories are affected by fragility, conflict or violence. In these settings, TBI is a daily reality in emergency rooms, intensive care units and rehabilitation centres.

The current Middle East escalation has further exposed these pressures, with health facilities overwhelmed by trauma cases while coping with damaged infrastructure, shortages of supplies and disrupted referral pathways.

Yet the burden of TBI does not end when a patient leaves hospital. Many survivors experience long-term neurological, psychological and social consequences, including increased risks of epilepsy, stroke, dementia, mental health conditions and loss of independence. Too often, patients disappear from the system once acute care ends.

This is the gap we must address.

Recognizing traumatic brain injury as both a chronic and notifiable condition would represent a major step forward for global health policy and patient care.

First, it would improve visibility. Integrating TBI into surveillance systems would strengthen planning, prevention and investment in trauma, neurosurgical and rehabilitation services.

Second, it would strengthen continuity of care by encouraging integrated pathways that extend beyond acute stabilization to rehabilitation, mental health support and long-term follow-up.

Third, it would strengthen prevention. Many TBIs are preventable through stronger road safety measures, helmet use, safer infrastructure and effective emergency response systems.

In our Region, WHO has already taken important steps in this area. At the 71^st session of the Regional Committee, Member States endorsed an operational framework for trauma in humanitarian settings aligned with WHA76.2. Through the Regional Trauma Initiative established in 2020, WHO has supported trauma responses and strengthened frontline clinical capacity across conflict-affected settings.

This proposed resolution offers an opportunity to build a more comprehensive global approach linking prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation, surveillance and long-term support. WHO remains committed to supporting Member States and partners in advancing this agenda.