Two rounds of the Pandemic Fund at the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: progress, lessons learned, challenges, and way forward

World Health Organization (WHO) played an important role in supporting the Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) apply for awards from the Pandemic Fund - a vital source of funding for pandemic preparedness and response. The aim of this commentary is to reflect the contributions of WHO EMR during the first two funding rounds of the Pandemic Fund, while highlighting the lessons learned, and addressing the ongoing challenges faced across the region. As EMR Member States continue to build and strengthen their health security capacities, WHO's involvement has catalyzed the improvement of early warning systems, laboratory capacity, and workforce development. However, challenges remain, including sustainability, enhancing regional cooperation, the widespread state fragility, and multiple conflicts across the region.