Table 1.

Overview of the Types of Research Being Conducted in Several MENA Countries to Address Their Unique Health Issues.

Country	Types of Research to Address Unique Health Issues
Egypt	• Infectious Diseases:  • Hepatitis C: Given its high prevalence in Egypt, significant research focuses on the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of Hepatitis C (Elgharably et al., 2017).  • Schistosomiasis: Research aims to understand transmission dynamics and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies (Elmorshedy et al., 2020). • Noncommunicable Diseases:  • Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes: Research is directed toward understanding risk factors and improving treatment protocols and preventive measures (Sidahmed et al., 2023).  • Cancer: Studies focus on early detection, treatment options, and the epidemiology of cancer, particularly breast and liver cancers (Hirsch et al., 2016). • Public Health and Policy:  • Research in this area includes strengthening health systems, policy analysis, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes (Hirsch et al., 2016).
Sudan	• Infectious Diseases:  • Malaria: Research targets vector control, drug resistance, and the development of new treatments (Omer et al., 2017).  • Tuberculosis: Studies focus on diagnosis, treatment, and control measures, especially in multi-drug-resistant TB (Badawi et al., 2024). • Maternal and Child Health:  • Efforts are directed toward reducing maternal and infant mortality through improved healthcare practices and interventions (Sami et al., 2020). • Cancer:  • The focus is on breast, gynecologic, and prostate cancers (Amany Elamin et al., 2015). • Nutrition:  • Research addresses malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations in conflict areas (Homeida, 2023).
Jordan	• Mental Health Research:  • Research addresses the prevalence, treatment, and stigma associated with mental health disorders (Okasha & Karam, 1998). • King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC):  • The KHCC is a leading institution in Jordan that provides comprehensive care for all types of cancer. The center is involved in extensive research and clinical trials, focusing on various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and pediatric cancers. The KHCC also collaborates with international cancer research institutions to enhance its research capabilities and adopt the latest treatment modalities (European Society for Medical Oncology, 2024). • Childhood Cancer Research:  • A recent study highlighted the burden and scope of childhood cancer among displaced patients in Jordan, particularly those treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center. The research emphasizes the need for improved healthcare services and funding to support cancer care for both local and displaced populations (Rihani et al., 2023). • Refugee Health:  • Given the large refugee population, the research includes health service delivery, care access, and displaced individuals’ health needs (Al-Soleiti et al., 2021).
Lebanon	• Mental Health Disorders:  • Research on the prevalence, treatment, and stigma associated with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, especially among populations affected by conflict (Kerbage et al., 2020). • Health Systems Strengthening:  • Research aimed at improving health system infrastructure, policy analysis, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes (Orton et al., 2018). • Maternal Health:  • Research on improving maternal health outcomes, reducing maternal mortality rates, and enhancing prenatal and postnatal care (Tappis et al., 2017).
Morocco	• Infectious Diseases:  • Tubercolosis: Research focuses on mycobacterium drug resistance and care delivery and management (Ennassiri et al., 2018).  • HIV/AIDS: Studies aim to improve prevention, treatment, and care for people living with HIV (Kouyoumjian et al., 2013; Mumtaz et al., 2013).
	• Noncommunicable Diseases:  • Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes: Research aims to understand these conditions’ epidemiology, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches (Skalli et al., 2019).  • Cancer: Focus areas include early detection, treatment modalities, and cancer epidemiology, particularly breast cancer (El Rhazi et al., 2014).