Minister of Health, Dr Fahrettin Koca addressed the General Assembly of the 70th European Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Organization.
In his speech, Minister Koca referred to the saying in Turkey: “First comes health" and noted how this pandemic has bitterly showed how accurate this saying was for to the whole world.
Adding that Turkey had been able to keep the pandemic in check thanks to a resilient test, contact tracing and treatment strategy, Koca continued, "While doing so, we have been comforted to see that the mortality rate, including those of the elderly, has been steadily low. We have and will continue to protect the vulnerable elderly, those with comorbidities and healthcare professionals to the best of our ability.
Koca said that he was closely following-up on vaccine development efforts, and added, "WHO has important tasks for both ensuring the safety and the fair distribution of this prospective vaccine. On every platform, we have underlined the importance of a strong WHO and how we advocate for it. In this process, we will also be pleased to see a proactive Regional Office that develops the best possible solutions for the needs of the Region of Europe."
Turkey extends helping hand to more than 150 countries
Minister Koca highlighted the importance of solidarity and unity and added, "Turkey has demonstrated the epitome of international solidarity by supporting more than 150 countries and international organizations with medical supplies."
Reminding the opening of the Regional Director the WHO Istanbul Office, which will serve for health emergencies, as a sign of our belief in a strong WHO and regional solidarity, Koca continued, "I would like point out that 25 million US Dollar donated by Turkey in these challenging times, during which most countries direct their resources to their national needs, stands out to be a very important support to global health security. I hope that this Office, which was also opened during a very critical time as we are fighting against COVID-19, will deliver concrete outcomes on a global scale."
Koca thanked the Regional Director Kluge for his vision document and noted that the vision, leadership and priorities would contribute to the improving the regional health status.
Agreeing with the proposal on extending the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife into 2021, Koca said, "Bearing in mind the efforts of our brave healthcare workers, I second your proposal on extending the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife into 2021. I even would like to suggest broadening the scope even further and designating 2021 as the Year of the Healthcare Worker."
WHO Director for Europe praises Turkey
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge also praised the healthcare services provided in Turkey and the fight against the Coronavirus outbreak.
Underlining the importance of preparedness and response capacity, Kluge added, "We have some good news. Four days ago, we opened the Geographically Dispersed Office for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies Preparedness in Istanbul with the Turkish Minister of Health, Dr Fahrettin Koca. Dr Koca, I know you are watching this video. I would like to thank you and your amazing team."
© 2025 Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health All rights reserved.
