D-8 Secretary-General Seeks Stronger Health Cooperation, Resilient Health Systems

The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, has called for stronger international cooperation, technology transfer and the development of resilient healthcare systems to tackle emerging global health threats.

Ambassador Mahmood made the call at the 12th Turkish Medical World Congress in Türkiye, organised by the country’s Ministry of Health and Health Institutes from October 29 to 31, 2026.

He highlighted the growing threats posed by pandemics, infectious diseases, climate-related disasters and armed conflicts, stressing the importance of international solidarity, effective preparedness and sustainable healthcare solutions.

The D-8 Secretary-General also underscored the complementary strengths of member states in key healthcare sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and digital health.

He called for greater collaboration in medical research, technology transfer, joint production and the application of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen health systems.

Ambassador Mahmood recalled the first D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Health, held in Cairo in November 2025, which adopted a framework for cooperation among member countries.

He identified the second ministerial meeting, scheduled to be hosted by Türkiye in 2027, as an opportunity to deepen partnerships and advance collective efforts towards addressing shared health challenges.

The three-day congress attracted more than 2,000 participants, including health ministers, senior government officials, scientists and medical professionals, who deliberated on healthcare innovation, biotechnology, cancer research and emerging medical technologies.

On the sidelines of the congress, Ambassador Mahmood met with Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, to explore opportunities for closer institutional engagement and cooperation.

He also attended the TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented awards recognising outstanding contributions to medical science and healthcare innovation.