The Eastern Mediterranean Region is experiencing a fast rate of development and urbanization and an aging population, with the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases increasing at alarming rates that exceed those of developed countries.

In 1991, the Thirty-eighth session of Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean passed resolution EM/RC38/R.7, urging both Member States and WHO to take urgent measures to promote and protect the health of older people so that they can lead healthy and active lives.

Given the above, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has produced this report to examine the need for home health care for the elderly as a cost-effective approach and as an integral part of primary health care services.

The report reviews the requirements for providing home health care services in terms of the kind of services required, who can provide the services, and eligibility for receiving the services, as well as the benefits and cost-effectiveness of home health care, patient satisfaction, quality assurance and patient safety in providing the services in home settings, establishing an effective referral system, and experiences from other Regions.

The report provides evidence-based advocacy material for integrating home health care in health care delivery in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and encouraging countries to develop national strategies for promoting home health care.