The Middle East and North Africa region faces many challenges, including instability and disparate economic performance, both of which have adverse effects on health and survival. Disruptions in health care, access to clean water, and sanitation are problems in the region.
NIAID’s research priorities in the MENA region include antimicrobial resistance and immunodeficiency diseases, with continuing interest in research on neglected tropical diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is on the rise due to favorable growth of the sandfly vector. NIAID is also significantly involved in research on other infectious diseases in the region, including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and hepatitis C, B, and D.