Dr Kluge visits Turkey, marking 60 years of cooperation

22 July 2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge visited Turkey this week, the first in-person country visit since WHO officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

The visit included meetings with officials, health workers, United Nations partners and WHO staff. Dr Kluge also signed a financial agreement with the Turkish Government, paving the way for the opening of a new office in Istanbul that will specialize in preparedness for humanitarian and health emergencies.

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Dr Kluge visits Turkey... 1

Dr Kluge met with staff at the WHO Country Office in Ankara.

Ministry of Health, Turkey
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Meeting with Turkey’s Minister of Health Dr Fahrettin Koca, Dr Kluge discussed the country’s response to COVID-19, including free testing and treatment for all.

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During a joint press conference, Dr Kluge and Dr Koca signed a financial agreement for the opening of a new WHO office in Istanbul specializing in preparedness for humanitarian and health emergencies.

WHO/Tunc Ozceber
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Visiting the Gaziantep Refugee Health Training Centre, Dr Kluge met with health-care workers. The Centre has integrated a large number of health-care workers from Syria into Turkey’s workforce.

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Visiting the United Nations cross-border operations at Bab al-Salam, Dr Kluge spoke with United Nations partners including Mark Cutts, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria crisis. Dr Kluge emphasized the importance of leaving no one behind in health and thanked Turkey for its support to WHO cross-border operations, which have delivered essential medicines and equipment to civilians in northwest Syria.

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