The role of the private health sector in COVID-19 response

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization (WHO), the private health sector is responsible for 53% of inpatient services and 66% of outpatient services and is, therefore, a major stakeholder in the COVID-19 response.

In this context, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean conducted an assessment of the role of the private health sector in the response to the pandemic in eight countries of the Region: Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Tunisia, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The objectives were to explore the level of involvement of non-state actors in national response plans, map different engagement activities and present recommendations for addressing the challenges faced. This report compiles and summarizes the findings of these assessments.