PHA-Exchange> Middle-east perspectives - Call for Papers

[Abraham Thomas]

*Middle East perspectives*

 Call for papers

On 21 October the *BMJ* will publish a cluster of articles drawing attention
to some of the key health problems, policy challenges, and research
priorities in the Middle East region. The issue will be linked to the 10th
meeting of the Global Forum for Health Research, which is being held in
Cairo (29 October to 2 November) with the broad theme of combating disease
and promoting health.

The richly diverse countries of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East
region contain both some of the wealthiest and some of the most deprived
populations of any region. Sociocultural contrasts are marked, and health
challenges, priorities, and expectations are equally varied. There are,
nevertheless, issues of common concern. These include the growing burden of
non-communicable disease, a high incidence of genetic and inherited
disorders, rising rates of injury, rising rates of communicable
disease including
HIV/AIDS, poor access to reproductive health services, the relatively weak
position of women and civil society, and the searing impact on health of
political unrest and armed conflict.

We welcome submission of original research papers, particularly in relation
to the topics outlined above. Brief papers for the Analysis and comment
section of the journal, aimed at airing regional debates and controversies
and drawing attention to innovative health initiatives and the positive
impact of strong social and cultural values, are equally welcome,
along with personal
views and letters. We want to hear from clinicians and researchers who have
much to say but whose voices are heard infrequently in Western journals.

Detailed guidance on paper format and online submission is given on
www.bmj.com. Papers will be peer reviewed in the usual way and should reach
us by 10 June.

To further this exchange, please send us your views on topics for this issue
to cover via our rapid responses facility on bmj.com and respond to the
questions we have linked to the online version of this editorial.

Advisers to the issue are Dr Mohamed Abdurrab, Dr Abdul Ghaffar, and Dr
Zulfiqar Bhutta.

*Christiane Rehwagen*, *editorial registrar*

*(crehwagen at bmj.com), BMJ, London WC1H 9JR*

*Tessa Richards*, *assistant editor*

*(trichards at bmj.com), BMJ, London WC1H 9JR*
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