WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab and Minister of Health of Turkey Dr Ahmet Demircan signed a biennial collaborative agreement (BCA) between WHO/Europe and Turkey for 2018–2019 on 19 April 2018. It aims to provide a practical framework for collaboration in line with national health priorities and WHO capacities.
The BCA is formed in line with WHO’s Twelfth General Programme of Work 2014–2019 and its Programme Budget 2018–2019. It translates WHO’s strategic vision, the European policy framework for health and well-being Health 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into agreements for technical cooperation in identified Programme areas.
The BCA was signed following a press statement held on the margin of the 1st International Traditional and Complementary Medicine Congress in Istanbul. In his press statement, Dr Demircan emphasized the leadership and value of WHO in the area of international health, and the country’s close engagement with the Organization in governing bodies, policy development and sharing best practices.
Dr Jakab provided examples of innovative initiatives in these areas, such as a renewed policy framework that includes a strong Health 2020 and SDG vision with a focus on addressing noncommunicable diseases and achieving universal health coverage.
Turkey’s partnership with WHO in training Syrian health workers and facilitating their integration into the national health system has been highlighted as an innovative multistakeholder intervention under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. Dr Jakab renewed her congratulations to the Minister, saying that these efforts have led to positive public health outcomes for both refugee and host communities by increasing access to quality care. Joint efforts should continue and stand as an example of best practice for similar circumstances in other Member States.
Better health for Europe
The BCA reflects the vision of WHO/Europe as well as the concepts, principles and values underpinning Health 2020, adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe at its 62nd session. Its main areas of collaboration are related to:
- communicable diseases;
- noncommunicable diseases;
- promoting health through the life-course;
- health systems; and
- the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.
The health situation analysis chapter also outlines national challenges and achievements. It provides tailored solutions to even the most complex humanitarian and health problems, such as those brought on by the crisis in Syria, which range from service provision to routine immunization.
During the signing ceremony, Dr Demircan stated that Turkey is providing many services to almost 4 million refugees. He suggested that WHO continue raising awareness and providing technical support to Member States on the public health aspects of migration, assisting them in preparing for and responding to influxes of refugees and migrants.