The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, has called for stronger international health cooperation, technology transfer and resilient healthcare systems to address emerging global health threats.
He 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.
Ambassador Mahmood highlighted the growing threats posed by pandemics, infectious diseases, climate-related disasters and armed conflicts, stressing the need for international solidarity, effective preparedness and sustainable healthcare solutions.
He emphasised the complementary strengths of D-8 member states, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and digital health, while calling for increased collaboration in research, technology transfer, joint production and artificial intelligence.
The Secretary-General recalled the first D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Health held in Cairo in November 2025, which adopted a framework for health cooperation, and identified the second ministerial meeting scheduled to be hosted by Türkiye in 2027 as an opportunity to deepen collaboration among member countries.
The three-day congress brought together more than 2,000 participants, including health ministers, senior government officials, scientists and medical professionals, to deliberate on healthcare innovation, biotechnology, cancer research and emerging medical technologies.
He also met with Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, to explore opportunities for closer institutional engagement.
The Secretary-General further attended the TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented awards recognising outstanding contributions to medical science.
