In its recent history, the Middle Eastand North Africa region has made a remarkable progress inexpanding access to basic health services for its citizens,and the Region can be justifiably proud of having achievedone of the fastest rates of decline in child mortality amongall the developing regions of the world. Theseaccomplishments are particularly noteworthy in that theRegion maintained a steady mortality decline despite of theperiods of stagnation in economic growth that have affecteddifferent parts of the Region over this period.Theyreflect the benefits of past investments in basic healthservices and the beneficiary effects of the broader socialand economic development, such as improved access to safedrinking water and hygiene as well as the higher educationalattainment of girls - all of which are known to have apositive impact on child and maternal health.These pastachievements form an important basis for addressing futurechallenges.At the same time, the benefits of economicdevelopment are bringing new risks and health issues thatwill require substantial realignment of the existingpolicies and programs.Middle East and North Africa regionhas one of the youngest populations in the world; thisprovides a window of demographic opportunity to prepare thenext generation of children and youth for a healthy andproductive adulthood, and avoid the unnecessary sufferingand heavy cost of modern diseases.The healthcare systemwill also need to be prepared to provide adequate financialprotection and quality healthcare as the ageing populationwill require increasing support to avoid premature deathsand minimize the suffering from disabilities associated withchronic diseases and injuries.
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