Working together to improve lives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Editorial).

: It was an immense honour when the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO) welcomed me as its new Regional Director on 1 June 2018. On this occasion, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the WHO Executive Board during its 143rd session in Geneva, Switzerland, for giving me an opportunity to propose my agenda for change towards a stronger and healthier Region. I look forward to my tenure as Regional Director, and have been impressed by the support displayed by WHO/EMRO staff, the WHO Executive Board, and public health bodies further afield.