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Hanan Balkhy, WHO chief for Sudan and Iran: work continues despite conflicts

Hanan Balkhy, WHO chief for Sudan and Iran: work continues despite conflicts

The Interview vor 4 Monaten

Daniel Dadzie speaks to Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean

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“During the recent conflict [in Iran], there was a pause, not a
full stop or halt of the functions. Once the airspace opened up
again, we reprioritized the delivery of those life-saving kits to
the member states, and we came back on track… We still find hope
in the communication between the different member states, between
the different partners to secure some of these supplies, or keep
supply chains alive.” Daniel Dadzie speaks to Hanan Balkhy, the
World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for the Eastern
Mediterranean, about navigating the challenges posed by recent
conflicts in Sudan and Iran. It’s one of six regional WHO offices
around the world, covering a total population of nearly 745
million people from Morocco in the west to Pakistan in the east,
and as far south as Sudan. The WHO works with governments and
local authorities to improve access to basic healthcare and
provide support during humanitarian emergencies. Global supply
chains were severely disrupted when the conflict in Iran began
just over two months ago. Although much of the focus of this
disruption has been on oil and trade, crucial medical supplies
have also been delayed in reaching where they’re needed most. The
Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world,
from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC,
including episodes with entrepreneur Isaac Larian, African
politics professor Simukai Chikudu, and campaigner Baroness
Arminka Helic. You can listen on the BBC World Service on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to
The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds
or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Daniel Dadzie
Producers: Ben Cooper and Simon Mbai Editor: Damon Rose Get in
touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag
#TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Hanan Balkhy. Credit: Getty)