Our Strategy

Strategic Framework

HERA-ME's strategy is built on a multi-dimensional approach that integrates research, capacity building, advocacy, and system strengthening. We work across four strategic pillars:

Research & Evidence Generation

Goal: Generate robust scientific evidence on environmental health threats in the MENA region

Conduct innovative epidemiological research on environmental exposures
Focus on vulnerable populations and health disparities
Integrate climate change and gender perspectives
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
Build research networks across the region

Capacity Building & Human Resources

Goal: Strengthen environmental health capacity across healthcare and professional sectors

Train healthcare workers in environmental health recognition and management
Build competencies in research methodology and data analysis
Develop leadership in environmental health professionals
Create communities of practice and professional networks
Support knowledge transfer and institutional memory

Policy Advocacy & Systems Change

Goal: Influence policy and strengthen health systems for environmental health resilience

Engage with government and international organizations
Provide evidence-based policy recommendations
Advocate for climate-responsive healthcare systems
Support implementation of health and environmental policies
Monitor and evaluate policy outcomes

Community Engagement & Communication

Goal: Raise awareness and empower communities to protect their health

Develop culturally appropriate awareness campaigns
Engage vulnerable and marginalized communities
Use innovative communication tools and media
Promote health literacy on environmental risks
Support community-based solutions and advocacy

Thematic Priorities

Air Quality & Respiratory Health

Addressing air pollution as a major health threat in the MENA region, with focus on industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and transboundary air pollution impacts.

Reproductive & Maternal Health

Understanding how environmental exposures affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and child development, with particular focus on vulnerable populations.

Climate Change & Health

Building health system resilience to climate impacts, including heat stress, water quality, infectious diseases, and displacement-related health risks.

Chemical Safety & Occupational Health

Assessing exposure to hazardous chemicals including pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants in occupational and community settings.

Health Equity & Vulnerable Populations

Ensuring environmental health research and interventions benefit marginalized communities and address health disparities linked to environmental factors.

Gender & Environmental Health

Addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities to environmental hazards and integrating gender perspectives in environmental health research and policy.

Our Approach

Evidence-Based Decision Making

All our strategies are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and informed by international best practices. We use data to identify priorities and measure impact.

Partnerships & Collaboration

We work with governments, universities, healthcare institutions, international organizations, and civil society to maximize our reach and impact.

Community-Centered Solutions

We engage communities in defining problems and co-designing solutions. Our interventions are tailored to local contexts and needs.

Long-Term Sustainability

We build local capacity and institutional mechanisms to ensure our work creates lasting change beyond project timelines.

Innovation & Adaptation

We embrace innovative approaches and adapt our strategies based on new evidence and changing circumstances in the region.

Transparency & Accountability

We maintain transparent processes and accountability to our stakeholders and the communities we serve. We measure and report on our progress.

Impact Goals (2024-2026)

Research Impact: Publish 10+ peer-reviewed articles on environmental health in the MENA region, with focus on air quality, reproductive health, and climate change

Capacity Building: Train 500+ healthcare workers and professionals in environmental health identification and management

Policy Influence: Contribute to development and implementation of at least 3 national/regional environmental health policies

Community Reach: Engage 10,000+ community members through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives

Network Development: Establish and strengthen environmental health networks connecting 50+ professionals across the region

System Strengthening: Support health system adaptation in 5+ healthcare facilities to build climate resilience