The World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping up preparations for a “worst-case scenario» a nuclear incident in the Middle East region. This was stated by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy in an interview with Politico.
According to her, the organization is monitoring the consequences of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and is training staff for a radiation emergency, including both attacks on nuclear sites and the potential use of nuclear weapons.
“The worst-case scenario is a nuclear incident, and that is what concerns us most,” Balkhy emphasized. “No matter how much we prepare, nothing will be able to prevent the harm that will come to the region and possibly to the entire world. The consequences will be felt for decades.”
The WHO clarified that staff are being retrained on public protection measures, medical care for radiation injuries, and the development of guidance for governments. Preparations are being conducted in a “broad sense” — ranging from radiation leaks caused by bombing facilities to a full-scale nuclear strike.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also noted that since the escalation began, the organization has been training its staff and UN personnel across 13 countries in the region to respond to potential nuclear threats.
At present, based on available data, no significant radiation leaks have been recorded; however, risks continue to grow due to ongoing strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The WHO is calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a catastrophe with long-term global consequences for public health, the environment, and food security.