The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, has called for stronger international health cooperation, technology transfer and investment in resilient healthcare systems to address emerging global health threats.
Mahmood made the call at the 12th Turkish Medical World Congress, organised by Türkiye’s Ministry of Health and Health Institutes from October 29 to 31, 2026.
He identified pandemics, infectious diseases, climate-related disasters and armed conflicts as growing threats to global health, stressing the need for international solidarity, effective preparedness and sustainable healthcare solutions.
The D-8 Secretary-General highlighted the complementary strengths of member countries in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and digital health, urging them to strengthen cooperation in research, technology transfer, joint production and artificial intelligence.
He also recalled the first D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Health, held in Cairo in November 2025, which adopted a framework for health cooperation among member states.
According to him, the second ministerial meeting, scheduled to be hosted by Türkiye in 2027, presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration and translate existing commitments into practical outcomes.
The three-day congress attracted more than 2,000 participants, including health ministers, senior government officials, scientists and medical professionals, who discussed healthcare innovation, biotechnology, cancer research and emerging medical technologies.
On the sidelines of the congress, Mahmood met with Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, to explore opportunities for closer institutional engagement.
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 research.
