Book excerpt: This joint publication from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) provides a concise analysis of the state of family practice in the 22 countries spread over North Africa, the Middle East and Western Asia, i.e. the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) in both English and Arabic. It shares perspectives and advice from global and regional leaders on how family practice can be introduced and strengthened in high-, middle- and low-income countries.