COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa region: An urgent call for reliable, disaggregated and openly shared data

Most Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are not publicly reporting comprehensive and disaggregated epidemiological data on COVID-19. Long-standing underinvestment and undervaluation of data is exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic in several countries of the MENA region, especially those that are long stricken by conflicts and displacement. The COVID-19 pandemic should work as a driving force for more comprehensive, robust, disaggregated and publicly available evidence. Prioritised governmental expenditure and use of available digital technologies can address this issue. Furthermore, to understand the implications of the health crises and to develop contextualised responses, comprehensive and reliable data are essential.

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