News

WHO and the International Organization for Migration join forces to fight TB in north-west Syria 17-06-2021
Three WHO-established tuberculosis (TB) centres in north-west Syria have been serving the needs of hundreds of conflict-affected families, including internally displaced people, since summer 2019. In February 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined this project to help ensure the highest possible recovery rate of 300 TB patients every month through the provision of adequate food.
World No Tobacco Day 2021: awards for tobacco control in the WHO European Region 26-05-2021
“Leave No One Behind” film festival in Turkey draws attention to refugee and migrant health 19-05-2021
During its inaugural 7 day-long film festival entitled "Leave No One Behind", WHO Turkey showcased 6 documentaries and 1 fictional film, which focused on the lives of refugees and migrants forced to leave one country and set up home in another.
Syrian health workers in Turkey advance skills through distance learning during COVID-19 06-04-2021
Syrian health-care personnel in Turkey play a crucial role in facilitating access to essential health-care services for Syrian refugees and migrants, and in helping them overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. To support their professional development, training for Turkish and Syrian health-care personnel has been made accessible via a distance learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amal’s road to recovery – WHO makes rapid treatment for TB possible in north-western Syria 31-03-2021
Amal is a 44-year-old female patient. She is also a mother of 4 children, a housewife and a farmer. Her health deteriorated significantly when she developed a persistent cough, lost a lot of weight and became fatigued to the extent that she could not do simple housework or take care of her family.
Syrian health-care workers respond to the health needs of refugees in Turkey 11-03-2021
In January 2018, the WHO Country Office in Turkey launched the project “Supporting the employment of Syrian personnel in the Turkish health system”. In the past 2 years, 671 Syrian staff have been recruited in cooperation with Turkey’s Ministry of Health, and have completed all necessary training for the provision of home care.
Personal story - “Completing my training and working in the Turkish health care system has changed my life” – Doctor Ramy Sheikh Muhammed 23-02-2021
When the war broke out in Syria, Doctor Ramy Sheikh Muhammed had to cut short his medical training in Aleppo. Away from his village, his parents and his siblings, he was not able to return there when fighting intensified and civilians in the city found themselves under constant fire. He had no choice but to leave Syria and his family behind to seek refuge in Turkey.
Personal story – Community worker Sabiha Zekeriya brings health and hope to the doorsteps of Syrians in Turkey 29-01-2021
Sabiha Zekeriya knows all too well that life can change in an instant. Just a decade ago, the future was looking bright for both her and her husband. She was a biology student at the University of Idlib, while he was a law graduate who followed his passion to teach art. When war erupted, their lives were turned upside down. Like so many other Syrians, the young couple fled to Turkey.
Reaching Turkey’s health policy goals could avert thousands of deaths says research from WHO/Europe 19-01-2021
Approximately 20 000 deaths could have been averted in Turkey in 2017 if the country had reached its current goals of reducing tobacco and salt consumption by 30%, and physical inactivity by 10%, according to WHO/Europe experts in an article published in the Lancet. The study calculated possible outcomes of the action plan for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) adopted in the country for 2017–2025.
Family physicians’ crucial role in mental health 18-01-2021
In Turkey, currently host of 3.6 million Syrian refugees, family physicians play a crucial role in primary health-care services, often serving as a first contact for refugees in need of health care. Family physicians are often also the first ones who can adequately identify mental health issues and needs.
Personal story – Syrian case worker Mohamad: “I want to give back to the community” 14-01-2021
Just over a decade ago, Mohamad Yumn Alhayek’s plans for the future seemed clear-cut: graduate from the University of Aleppo as a trained physiotherapist; find a job; start a family. But the war that erupted in 2011 turned his life and the lives of millions of other Syrians upside down.
Turkey shielded its elderly from COVID-19 by protecting health workers in nursing homes 07-12-2020
Almost two weeks before the first COVID-19 case was identified in the country, visits to nursing homes in Turkey were restricted. Six weeks earlier, the country had also begun implementing measures to protect its older citizens from the virus. A series of timely preventive measures such as these, supported by WHO, helped to limit the spread of the virus in many of Turkey’s care homes.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council begin putting memorandum of understanding into action 03-12-2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Secretary General of the Turkic Council Mr Baghdad Amreyev met this week as the organizations work towards establishing a united action plan for health and collaboration.
New WHO report reveals that while smoking continues to decline among European adolescents, the use of electronic cigarettes by young people is on the rise 02-12-2020
Tobacco use among young people in the WHO European Region remains a public health concern. Despite the overall downward trend, several countries of the Region observed an increase in tobacco use prevalence among young people in the latest round of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. While cigarettes remain the most used form of tobacco products, there is a concerning trend emerging from the use of electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes). According to the latest available data, young people are turning to these products at an alarming rate. The new report reveals that in some countries the rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents were much higher than those for conventional cigarettes. In Poland, for example, 15.3% of students smoked cigarettes and 23.4% used electronic cigarettes in 2016.
Regional Director visits newly opened GDO in Istanbul and speaks at Turkic Council on country visit 05-11-2020
On a recent country visit to Turkey at the invitation of Minister of Health Dr Fahrettin Koca, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge delivered a keynote address at the Health Scientific Board of the Turkic Council and spoke with Mr Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General of the Turkic Council.
WHO and EU help migrants access COVID-19 protective equipment in Turkey 04-11-2020
Turkey provides universal access to health services to all refugees and migrants, including irregular migrants. Hosted in dedicated centres for short periods of time before repatriating to their respective countries, irregular migrants are in need of equipment to protect themselves against COVID-19.
New centre of excellence on humanitarian and health emergencies inaugurated in Istanbul 05-10-2020
On 10 September 2020, the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies was formally inaugurated at a colourful ribbon-cutting ceremony, led online by Dr Fahrettin Koca, Minister of Health of Turkey, in Istanbul, and Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in Copenhagen. Also participating in the ceremony were Dr Dorit Nitzan, WHO/Europe’s Regional Emergency Director, and dignitaries and senior officials from WHO/Europe, the WHO Country Office in Turkey, the United Nations family and the Government of Turkey. Dr Irshad Shaikh, WHO Representative to Turkey (ad interim), moderated the ceremony from the new premises in Istanbul.
Personal story: Clinical psychologist Pelşin Ülgen works to support Syrian refugees in Turkey 01-10-2020
When Pelşin Ülgen graduated, she decided to seize an opportunity and accept a job offer at the Refugee Health Training Center in Istanbul as a clinical psychologist. Today, she’s a member of a psychosocial support team providing services to Syrian refugees in Turkey.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council sign a memorandum of understanding strengthening new partnerships in the WHO European Region 16-09-2020
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Mr Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General of the Turkic Council, signed a memorandum of understanding between WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council on 11 September 2020.
SocialNet 2019: a real-life rehearsal on risk communication, community engagement and social science for the COVID-19 pandemic 08-09-2020
“When COVID-19 emerged, we quickly committed to daily press conferences and answered each and every question. If we didn’t have the answer, we said so honestly and promised to get more information as soon as possible,” says Oskars Sneiders, Head of the Communication Division in the Latvian Ministry of Health. “We saw a strong effect: people really listened and followed our recommendations, which has helped us to keep case numbers down so far.”
Against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis, COVID-19 responders carry out heroic work in northwest Syria 19-08-2020
“Ten years of crisis, repeated attacks on health care, death and displacement of health-care workers, and an increase in hostilities towards the end of 2019 have all posed significant challenges for the ability of the health system in northwest Syria to respond to COVID-19,” says Dr Mohamed Altwaish, a dentist by training who serves as Public Health Coordinator for Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD), a WHO implementing partner in northwest Syria.
Patient guides build bridge between Syrian refugees and doctors in Turkey 07-08-2020
Muhammad Weso, Muhamad Zehra and Melek Nuur Fatistooglu play a crucial role in providing health services to Syrian refugees across Turkey.
WHO Regional Director for Europe signs agreement for new centre of excellence and visits Gaziantep, marking 60 years of cooperation with Turkey 22-07-2020
During a visit to Turkey on 8–10 July, at the invitation of Dr Fahrettin Koca, Turkey’s Minister of Health, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge signed the financial agreement with Turkey to establish a new WHO centre of excellence for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies.
Countries of the WHO European Region empower young people to stand up to tobacco industry manipulation on World No Tobacco Day 21-07-2020
The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign was “Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use”. During the campaign, countries raised awareness about the tactics of tobacco and related industries to attract younger generations. Activities included webinars, online conferences, drawing competitions and award ceremonies, all of which encouraged everyone to become well informed, spread awareness about tobacco industry tactics and join the fight to create a tobacco-free generation.
Syrian doctor Sameer: “What fills me with gratitude is the way my patients look at me” 20-07-2020
May 2020, Bursa – When the armed conflict broke out in Syria in 2011, Sameer was 31 years old and working as a resident doctor at the department of neurosurgery at the Al-Razi Hospital in Aleppo, Syria. As the conflict worsened, Sameer finally had no choice but to flee to Turkey together with his wife and one-year-old son. Settling in the Turkish city of Bursa near the Marmara Sea was not uncomplicated. “I couldn’t return to Syria to finish my education,” Sameer explains. “I thought I would have to bury my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.”
Innovation at the core of COVID-19 response: If refugees can’t reach health services, health services will come to them 20-07-2020
For many refugees who have fled from war-torn Syria to Turkey, the European Union-funded Refugee Health Training Centres remain a vital access point to primary health care. But the Centres saw a notable decline in visitors when preventive measures against COVID-19 were enforced throughout the country.
WHO addresses European Parliament on COVID-19 response 01-07-2020
On 25 June, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge spoke to the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) about the global response to COVID-19. They highlighted the leadership of the European Union (EU) at this unprecedented time and responded to questions from Members of the European Parliament.
WHO reinforces COVID-19 response efforts in Turkey: millions of protective items distributed 30-06-2020
Millions of masks, gloves, goggles and other items worth US$ 1.7 million were dispatched by WHO to protect health-care professionals and other frontline workers in Turkey from COVID-19, thanks to funding provided by the German government through KfW Development Bank. Through this funding, WHO has also assisted the Ministry of Health to track the spread of COVID-19 in Istanbul, one of the cities hit hardest by the pandemic.
WHO-backed telephone counselling in Turkey for those dealing with COVID-19 stress 30-06-2020
A Turkish mother, finding it hard to cope with her 6-year-old son’s unusual tantrums, was able to call a newly created mental health telephone service to ask for advice. The responder who answered her call explained that children who are socially isolated can often feel bored, stressed and afraid while COVID-19 measures keep them apart from their schools and friends.
Refugee nurse Ahmed Ahmed: working together to prevent COVID-19 infections in Turkey 19-06-2020
“During work I did not think about my refugee status, I did not feel separate from the common efforts of the Turkish health system. I was part of a united team with my Turkish colleagues. We kept each other motivated and encouraged one another to remain in high spirits. I do still miss seeing my colleagues’ smiles at work though, which are now covered by masks and protective equipment."
Stories of hope as refugees help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic 19-06-2020
As many countries in the WHO European Region still struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and migrants are playing an important part in efforts to fight the coronavirus, supporting health systems and communities with their skills across the Region.
Turkey limits amount of industrially produced trans fats in foods 26-05-2020
Turkey recently announced regulations limiting the amount of industrially produced trans fats allowed in foods. As per WHO recommendations, the regulation requires that foods intended for the final consumer and for supply to retail contain no more than 2g of trans fats per 100g of fat. These measures are an important step towards the elimination of trans fats from the food supply, which will save thousands of lives per year.
Turkish celebrities join UN and WHO to help convey key COVID-19 messages 07-05-2020
COVID-19 messages are reaching new audiences in Turkey as goodwill ambassadors from United Nations agencies in the country offer to share information from WHO with their followers. Live broadcasts with these popular celebrities are being posted across various social media channels including Instagram and YouTube.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): European Region focusing on readiness 14-02-2020
In response to the detection of the COVID-19 virus in China in December 2019, countries in the WHO European Region have been activating national plans to ensure that health and other systems are not just prepared for but also ready to respond to importation of this new virus. This means that public health officials can rapidly respond to reports of suspect cases and identify contacts at high risk; hospitals have the necessary equipment and guidance to manage cases while protecting health-care staff and other patients from infection; and the public understands the level of risk posed by the virus and how to minimize it.
Ensuring equitable access to health care for refugees and migrants in Turkey 04-02-2020
WHO/Europe is supporting Turkey in the design of primary health care service provision to refugees and migrants.
Turkey earthquake: health infrastructure intact, WHO supporting emergency response 27-01-2020
At least 40 people have died and over 1600 were injured following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in eastern Turkey, which took place at 20:55 local time on Friday, 24 January 2020. Of those injured, around 100 are undergoing treatment and the rest have already been discharged.
2019: the WHO European Region’s year in review 19-12-2019
This was an important year for WHO/Europe. From working towards more affordable health care to electing a new Regional Director, much has been achieved over the past 12 months. The Region also celebrated some important anniversaries, including a quarter century of the Regions for Health Network and 30 years of tackling the most significant environmental threats to human health. While plenty of work remains, here we look back at some key moments of the last year. The stories highlight achievements across the Region as well as some specific country initiatives.
Galvanizing action on public health response to dementia in WHO European and Eastern Mediterranean regions 20-09-2019
For the first time, WHO/Europe has convened a workshop dedicated to promoting and supporting dementia policy and planning at the national level. The event, aimed at galvanizing action on the public health response to dementia, was held on 9–10 September 2019 in Malta and involved national experts from 11 countries across the WHO European and Eastern Mediterranean regions (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Jordan, Malta, North Macedonia, Morocco, Qatar, Slovenia, Tunisia and Turkey). The meeting was hosted by WHO and the government of Malta.
On World Humanitarian Day, WHO recognizes women at the forefront of humanitarian work 16-08-2019
Lack of access to essential health services is one of the biggest challenges for people living in emergency settings. Limited freedom of movement due to insecurity, disrupted medical supplies and shortages of medical personnel make humanitarian response in such areas especially challenging. Despite this, humanitarian workers keep providing life-saving services, taking care of the sick, preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Syrian Arab Republic: tackling noncommunicable diseases in emergencies through primary health care 08-08-2019
Providing primary health care services in a country like the Syrian Arab Republic, which is facing one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies, presents many challenges for addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). With a severely weakened health system, challenges include short supplies of medicines and ensuring access and continuity in health services.
WHO addressing leishmaniasis in high-risk areas of Syrian Arab Republic 24-07-2019
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease. It is estimated that every year over 40 000 new cases occur in Idleb, northern Hama and rural Aleppo alone, making this one of the worst-affected areas in the Syrian Arab Republic. It causes immense human suffering. Prevention and treatment solutions are in hand, and some countries have realized eradication. Despite the urgency and potential for eradication, leishmaniasis control and treatment activities have been structurally underfunded every year.
WHO launches the third edition of the School on Refugee and Migrant Health, in Cesme, Turkey: From emergency response to long-term inclusion policies 16-07-2019
WHO/Europe is launching its third annual Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health today in Çeşme, Turkey, under the theme “From emergency response to long-term inclusion policies”. The Summer School is delivered in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Public Health Association (EUPHA). It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for countries on the front line of migration to access knowledge and share experience to address this growing phenomenon.
WHO delivers health care to displaced people in north-west Syria 02-07-2019
To meet the needs of recently displaced people in north-west Syria, WHO and partners have deployed 8 mobile clinics and 5 surgical units since the beginning of May 2019. Mobile units are often the only source of health care for people who have been cut off from access to regular health services as a result of the ongoing conflict in the area.
Learning from evidence and dismantling myths on refugee and migrant health in Turkey 01-07-2019
On 20 June 2019, World Refugee Day, WHO presented a report on the health status of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region in Ankara, Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Health, the European Union Delegation to Turkey, foreign missions, academia, and national experts in the field of refugee and migrant health attended the event, which was followed by a panel discussion.
Turkish and Syrian health workers stand together to deliver health services for refugees 19-06-2019
Before joining the Refugee Health Training Centre in Izmir, Turkey, in 2017 as Chief Doctor, Dr Umit Sezginer had never worked closely with anyone speaking a different language. He had devoted more than 10 years to delivering health care in several hospitals of this coastal city, but he felt he still had much to give to support the Syrian population in Turkey. Language, however, was a significant barrier. “The job was not easy in the beginning,” he explains. Turkish health-care workers could not communicate easily with Syrian patients and interpretation was doubling the time required for consultations. “This can become tiring for both the doctor and the patient, and more importantly, it can lead to miscommunication during medical examinations.”
Supporting Syrian refugees in Turkey with the health services and guidance they need 20-05-2019
With Syria’s health-care system shattered by years of conflict, patients with chronic diseases have seen their much-needed treatments interrupted. In Aleppo, Mohammed watched in desperation as his daughter Vale failed to receive the blood transfusion needed to treat thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder commonly found across Syria and other parts of the Middle East. “Before the war, Vale received her treatment from a local hospital,” he explains. “When the war began, she could not access the service anymore. For some months she didn’t get any blood transfusion; I was very scared.”
New report released on WHO’s response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis within and from Turkey 30-04-2019
The report just released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe on its response in 2018 to the Syrian humanitarian crisis details the operations of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and its health impacts for the affected Syrian population. The 2 programmes in the WHO Country Office in Turkey – cross-border operations into north-west Syria and the Refugee Health programme – have tailored their activities to the scale of the emergency and people’s health needs
8 ways WHO supports health in Syria 15-03-2019
The Syrian crisis is one of the world’s biggest and most complex humanitarian emergencies. Eight years of conflict have taken a huge toll on a health system that was once among the best in its region.
Photo story – The human impact of WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey 12-03-2019
Millions of refugees have fled Syria over the past 8 years of conflict. Today, many are seeking to build new lives elsewhere, including in neighbouring countries such as Turkey – host to the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world. WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey, established in 2016, aims to support Turkey’s Ministry of Health in ensuring that Syrian refugees have access to culturally sensitive health services with the same standard as those offered to other residents and citizens. These efforts align directly with WHO’s target, outlined in the 13th General Programme of Work, to ensure that 1 billion more people are protected from health emergencies, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. This photo series highlights some of the ways in which the programme has directly impacted the lives of Syrian men, women and children now living in Turkey.
European countries commit to accelerate action to protect people from health emergencies together 25-02-2019
Sustained investment, mutual learning and support, and regular monitoring of progress – ministers of health and high-level delegates identified these as critical to scaling up health emergency preparedness and response in the WHO European Region.
WHO launches awareness campaign on social inclusion for people with mental disabilities in Turkey 16-01-2019
People with mental disabilities can face high levels of discrimination in society if the stigma that surrounds mental illness is not addressed and challenged. WHO is committed to ensuring that such people are socially included. A project, co-funded by the European Union and WHO, is set to break down the barriers against inclusion of people with mental disabilities in Turkey.
Turkey opts for plain packaging of tobacco products 15-01-2019
Turkey has taken a major step in tobacco control by passing an amendment to adopt plain packaging for all tobacco products effective as of 5 December 2018.
2018: The WHO European Region’s Year in Review 21-12-2018
The year 2018 was a momentous one for WHO, which celebrated 70 years of working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Here is a look back at some of the key moments from the year – highlighting both country-level activities and the collective achievements of the Region, but also emphasizing areas where continued work and even accelerated efforts will be needed to make progress.
Commemorating victims of road crashes across the European Region 04-12-2018
On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR), WHO country offices actively engaged with high-level policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), police forces, churches, emergency services and civil society to commemorate the lives lost or irreversibly impacted by road trauma. Across the WHO European Region, they organized activities and events to raise awareness about the preventable deaths of 83 000 people killed each year on the Region’s roads.
WHO exhibition tells story of Syrian health-care professionals in Turkey 26-11-2018
A breakthrough art exhibition, “A new beginning”, opened in Ankara on 20 November 2018 for 4 days to tell the stories of hundreds of Syrian health-care workers who have found a new life and career in Turkey. WHO developed the exhibition with the generous support of the European Union Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis.
Lancet: further action needed to realise full health potential of European children and adolescents 01-11-2018
A health policy article based on the WHO progress report “Situation of child and adolescent health in Europe” has been published in the Lancet today. The article assesses the situation in the WHO European Region by summarizing national gains and highlighting areas for further action.
New report on monitoring food marketing to children in Turkey 12-10-2018
WHO has released a new report, “Monitoring food marketing to children in Turkey”, as way to support policy-making in the country and build a more representative global picture of food marketing in WHO Member States.
Turkey monitors noncommunicable disease risk factors among its population 10-10-2018
In 2017, WHO and Turkey’s Ministry of Health conducted a nationwide, large-scale household survey to study the prevalence of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
Member States receive awards for contribution to NCD prevention and control 05-10-2018
At the third United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), held in New York on 27 September 2018, the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (UNIATF) presented awards to those making outstanding contributions to NCD prevention and control.
Ministry of Health of Turkey receives award for NCD prevention and control 05-10-2018
This year, the Ministry of Health of Turkey received an award from the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (UNIATF) in recognition of its dedicated efforts in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Benchmarking Turkey’s medicine agency 25-09-2018
The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) has, with WHO support, initiated self-benchmarking of their regulatory efficiency using the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool.
WHO launches cutting-edge package to scale up risk communication capacity in the European Region in 5 steps 06-09-2018
Emergency risk communication (ERC) is a vital public health intervention. It can save lives during emergency situations and, as such, should be considered an investment in people’s health, safety and security.
World Humanitarian Day: Health workers build new lives serving their fellow citizens far from home 17-08-2018
Years of conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic and eastern Ukraine have had a dramatic impact on health systems in these countries, as well as in places like Turkey – now home to millions of Syrian refugees. Health workers are often on the frontline of escalating hostilities, as they strive to continue delivering medical care amid horrific conditions.
World Refugee Day: WHO trains Syrian refugees to serve as home-care staff to older and disabled refugees in Turkey 19-06-2018
Each day, Aaliyah* wakes up to a dark sky in her home near the Mediterranean city of Mersin, in southern Turkey. Before leaving the house to catch the first bus of the day, she checks on her sister Lilah*, bedridden since a bomb hit the family house in the Syrian city of Homs. The explosion caused burns all over her body as the roof fell over her head. She is now unable to walk, move her hands or even talk.
Seventy-first World Health Assembly comes to a close after charting a new course for WHO 29-05-2018
The Seventy-first World Health Assembly took place on 21–26 May 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. Over the course of the 6 days, delegates charted a new course for the Organization.
Turkey and WHO/Europe sign new biennial collaborative agreement 22-05-2018
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.
European Immunization Week helps highlight and boost the positive impact of vaccines 17-05-2018
From immunization superheroes to supermoms, countless individuals helped ensure that European Immunization Week (EIW) on 23–29 April 2018 was a great success in keeping vaccines at the top of political and personal agendas across the WHO European Region.
Reaching out with mental health services for displaced Syrians 16-05-2018
“The patient told me if he had a gun, he would commit suicide,” recalls Yasir*, a mental health professional working in war-torn north-western Syria. He was speaking with a divorced father of 3 who was distraught at the breakup of his family. “I said, ‘Why a gun?’ He answered, ‘The fast way is a gun. I would suffer with a knife.’”
New report on WHO/Europe health emergency response to the crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic in 2017 03-05-2018
The WHO Country Office in Turkey has released a comprehensive report on the activities conducted by the WHO Health Emergencies team in 2017 and the outcomes achieved for the Syrian population in northwest Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey.
Photo story – “Leaving no one behind – saving lives through immunization” exhibit 28-04-2018
To mark European Immunization Week and World Immunization Week 2018, WHO/Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) collaborated to create a photo and video exhibit titled “Leaving no one behind – saving lives through immunization”. The exhibit showcases WHO and UNICEF’s strong partnership and joint commitment in the field of immunization, and it seeks to increase awareness that vaccines work and they save lives.
Photo Story - WHO supports Turkey in bringing health services to Syrians in improvised settlements 27-04-2018
In Torbali province of İzmir, Turkey, it is not easy for Syrian seasonal workers and refugees in improvised settlements to access health services. A team led by Dr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative to Turkey, and by the Provincial Health Directorate visited the area to assess the health status and needs of the workers and their families.
Investing in the health of Syrians is an investment in the future of Syria, WHO says 24-04-2018
As the international community comes together in Brussels to show support for Syrians and for a political solution to the conflict, WHO calls for increased investments in health to protect the lives of almost 17 million vulnerable men, women and children inside Syria and in 5 major neighbouring countries.
WHO supports Turkey to ensure full immunization of refugee children 23-04-2018
Updating records of Syrian children’s vaccination status is essential to ensure that each child is fully vaccinated. In 2017, the Turkish Ministry of Health with support from WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) carried out a country-wide vaccination campaign to give missing vaccine doses to more than 400 000 refugee and migrant children under 5 years of age. Through a major and coordinated effort with partners, vaccines reached children in their homes and communities, as well as in health centres. To address the high mobility of the Syrian population within Turkey, campaign officials also maintained a register of vaccinated children to ensure easy follow-up.
Day 2 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: Learning from good examples and real-time problem solving in policy labs 18-04-2018
Day 2 of the high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs kicked off with participants diving directly into policy workshops covering 4 key topics: financing and incentive alignment, health workforce, governance and financing of intersectoral action, and medicines.
Migration and health: finding effective solutions in Turkey 17-04-2018
Health experts and representatives of ministries of health, United Nations agencies, universities and civil societies gathered to focus on identifying effective responses to the health issues of the increasing number of refugees in Turkey during a workshop in Ankara on 26–27 March 2018.
WHO contributes to new plans to tackle childhood obesity in Turkey 22-03-2018
In December 2017, Turkey committed to initiate multisectoral action to end childhood obesity. To support this effort, the Ministry of Health requested technical support from WHO for the development of a multisectoral national initiative.
WHO supports large-scale polio and measles vaccination campaigns in northern Syria 21-03-2018
A vaccination campaign has been launched in northern Syria aimed at immunizing hundreds of thousands of children against polio, as WHO health partners simultaneously carry out measles vaccinations in the region’s displacement camps, where measles cases are rising.
WHO engages Turkish media to support the integration of Syrian refugees 19-03-2018
The WHO Country Office in Turkey organized 3 media-awareness workshops to advocate for the collective responsibility of the Turkish media in promoting intercultural dialogue. The workshops aimed to enhance reporting skills to avoid misperceptions about refugees in Turkey.
Seven years of grief: Syrian doctors and psychologists talk about the mental scars of war 16-03-2018
Days before the grim 7-year mark of a conflict that has led to alarming levels of mental health problems, 21 Syrian social workers, psychologists and physicians gathered in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the Syrian border.
Out of conflict, a new life for Syrian health workers in Turkey 15-03-2018
March 2018 marks 7 years of the conflict in Syria. The conflict has forced millions of people from their homes, schools and jobs. It has left many injured or disabled, taken their loved ones or destroyed their hope for a peaceful future.
Turkey to establish high-level committee to lead action towards ending childhood obesity 26-01-2018
Turkey has committed to establishing a high-level committee to lead multisectoral action with the overall goal of ending childhood obesity. To the same end, the Ministry of Health requested technical support from WHO for the development of a multisectoral national action plan.
Salmonella contamination of infant formula 22-12-2017
The French public health agency identified an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Agona associated with infant formula products manufactured by the Lactalis Nutrition Santé group in France. As of 21 December, 35 confirmed cases of Salmonella Agona infections among infants aged less than six months have been identified in different regions of France. Sixteen infants have been hospitalized but all have fully recovered and no deaths have been reported.
Prevent and prepare: WHO trains Syrian health professionals on cholera outbreaks 18-12-2017
From its field office in Gaziantep, Turkey, close to the border with Syria, WHO conducted a training to prepare more than 30 Syrian doctors for preventing and responding to a potential cholera outbreak.
Prime Minister of Turkey addresses 8th Highway Traffic Safety Symposium 04-12-2017
In 2016, 7300 lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of people were injured on Turkey’s roads. In recognition that this figure is unacceptably high and to emphasize that greater road safety is essential, Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Binali Yıldırım addressed delegates at the country’s 8th Highway Traffic Safety Symposium.
Turkey takes strong action to reduce antibiotic consumption and resistance 13-11-2017
Consumption of antibiotics in Turkey is among the highest across the WHO European Region, and antibiotic use is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To address this growing problem, Turkish health authorities have implemented a number of integrated interventions with WHO guidance and support. As a result, preliminary data show a declining trend in overall consumption.
Turkey withdraws plans to loosen tobacco control laws 31-10-2017
In a public statement made at the Turkish Grand National Assembly Commission on Planning and Budget on 17 October 2017, Minister of Finance Naci Ağbal stated that plans to allow the importation and production of heat-not-burn tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in Turkey were withdrawn. He confirmed that these products would not be sold or produced in the country.
WHO supports polio vaccination campaign for nearly 200 000 Syrian children from Turkey 24-10-2017
In response to a poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the eastern part of Syria in spring 2017, WHO/Europe procured vaccines from its field office in Gaziantep, Turkey, for a vaccination campaign that reached nearly 200 000 children in north-western Syria. These cross-border activities are part of the UN’s “Whole of Syria” approach to provide humanitarian assistance, including health services, to populations across the entire country.
WHO/Europe trains its workforce to prepare for and respond to emergencies 11-10-2017
To enhance WHO country support in times of crisis, over 30 WHO staff have improved their skills in readiness for multi-hazard emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts, and chemical and radiation exposure by undertaking specifically designed training. This training supports the work of the recently established WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) to increase country and staff capacity. WHE’s overarching objective is to effectively and efficiently address the full cycle of health emergencies (prevention, preparedness, readiness, response and recovery).
“We’re doctors but we’re also human”: helping Syrian health workers handle severe stress 09-10-2017
Health professionals working in northern Syria face constant fear and worry – for their patients, for their families, even for their own lives. “The medical staff were trying to encourage each other, so the patients knew their doctors were still standing,” says one doctor who worked at a bombarded hospital. Though he survived the experience and now lives in Turkey, he and many other health staff from northern Syria bear psychological scars. For those still in the country, the constant pressure translates into a clear need for mental health support.
WHO online trainings help medical staff in Syria’s besieged areas save lives 28-09-2017
“There was no health staff. Only 1 veterinarian and 2 first-year dentistry students with no experience.” Yasmine *, a Syrian nurse who left the besieged town of Madaya, describes her small, inexperienced team’s struggles to care for patients in a place cut off from the world. “There were no certified nurses – only 3 non-trained nurses, including me.”
Endemic measles interrupted in 42 out of 53 countries in the Region 26-09-2017
The number of countries in the Region that have demonstrated interruption of measles and rubella continues to increase and now stands at 42 for measles and 37 for rubella. However, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, warns that immunization coverage is decreasing. 1 in every 15 children still does not receive the first vaccination dose against measles and rubella on time.
WHO accelerates shipment of medical supplies to conflict-torn northern Syria 25-09-2017
In response to renewed fighting in north-western Syria and the resulting increase in health needs, WHO is accelerating its regular shipment of surgery and trauma kits from its field office in Gaziantep, Turkey.
The Ashgabat Statement: Europe commits to staying malaria free 04-09-2017
The WHO European Region is marking an important step on the road from malaria control to malaria elimination, and then on to maintaining malaria-free status, with the launch of The Ashgabat Statement: Preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission in the WHO European Region. The Statement is being formally presented on 4 September in Moscow, Russian Federation.
Turkey launches plan to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases 18-08-2017
Turkey is facing a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Not only do they cause 86% of all deaths in the country, but – most worryingly – the probability of dying prematurely (before the age of 70 years) from NCDs in Turkey is 18%. This means that nearly 1 in every 5 adults dies before they should.
WHO to improve health care in northern Syria with integrated network 18-07-2017
WHO is launching an integrated primary health care (PHC) network to improve health services in northern Syria. Working with 6 Syrian nonprofit health partners, WHO’s field office in Gaziantep, Turkey, is mapping communities and health services to streamline and organize the network.
Making the golden hours count: WHO trains Syrian health staff to treat chemical exposure and severe trauma 21-06-2017
Muhanad, a surgeon in northern Syria, happened to be visiting his nephew not far from the town of Khan Sheikhoun on 4 April 2017. During the visit, he was called to a local field hospital that was receiving emergency cases of patients exposed to gas. He realized their symptoms weren’t what he was used to seeing with similar incidents. “More than 30 patients came in the afternoon,” he says. “They were in convulsions. That’s not a chlorine gas symptom.”
World Refugee Day: WHO training enables Syrian doctors and nurses to provide health care in Turkey 19-06-2017
“We and the Turkish doctors are working like brothers and sisters.” Muhammed Hattab, a Syrian doctor, provides health care to refugees in Turkey thanks to a training programme organized by WHO and the Turkish Ministry of Health with financial support from ECHO. 20 June is World Refugee Day.
When sadness doesn’t stop: helping Syrians with depression 16-06-2017
In a city in southeastern Turkey, a Syrian refugee woman in a blue headscarf stands up during a question and answer session with a psychologist. “One of my relatives suffers from severe sadness – loss of pleasure, loss of appetite. He doesn’t sleep well. He doesn’t want to talk to others,” she says. “I tried to help him by taking him out in nature, to change his mood. I don’t criticize or blame him, I try to make him forget.”
Mobile clinics reach far-flung regions of Syria 16-06-2017
For Syrians who have lost access to basic medical services due to violence and displacement, mobile clinics can be a lifeline. In March 2017, WHO’s Gaziantep field office in Turkey donated 5 mobile clinics to its health partners working in northern Syria, where many hospitals have been destroyed. Dr Tamer Hasan of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a WHO partner, describes how the mobile clinic they received from WHO was immediately put into action to serve communities.
WHO and health partners provide vital care to displaced people in northern Syria 13-06-2017
Responding to evacuations and a growing number of displaced people in northern Syria, WHO and its health partners are providing life-saving medical care to thousands of families.
Policy forum examines strengthening health financing in Turkey 12-06-2017
A policy forum in Ankara, Turkey, on 22 February 2017, explored ways to strengthen health financing towards the promotion of the country’s health system goals.
World Health Assembly Day 4: polio, pandemic influenza preparedness and health workforce in focus 29-05-2017
On Day 4 of the World Health Assembly, delegates made decisions relating to poliomyelitis (polio), the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and the health workforce. Side events focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
World Health Assembly Day 2: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus elected new Director-General 24-05-2017
On 23 May 2017, the Member States of WHO elected Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the new Director-General of WHO.
Inauguration of Refugee Health Training Centre in Turkey 16-05-2017
On 2 May 2017, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe inaugurated the Refugee Health Training Centre in Ankara during her three-day visit to Turkey. Due to the current Syrian conflict, Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees in the world. The Refugee Health Training Centre is part of Turkey’s health response to this situation.
Agreement signed for new WHO Office for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies Preparedness 09-05-2017
A host agreement to establish a new WHO Office for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies Preparedness in Istanbul, Turkey, was co-signed by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and Professor Recep Akdağ, Minister of Health of Turkey, on 2 May 2017 in Ankara.
Regular vaccination of migrant population protects most vulnerable and helps Turkey maintain momentum towards measles elimination 28-04-2017
Vaccinating Syrian children: there’s an app for that 25-04-2017
“During a measles campaign in north Raqqa, [Syrian Arab Republic], it was reported through a messaging app that there were not enough vaccines in one area,” says Ibrahim*, a doctor who coordinates vaccination teams in volatile areas of northern Syria. “We immediately managed to transport the vaccines via a very complicated route, through areas controlled by different factions.”
WHO alarmed by use of highly toxic chemicals as weapons in Syria 05-04-2017
WHO is alarmed by serious reports of the use of highly toxic chemicals in an attack in Khan Shaykhun, southern rural Idleb, Syria. According to Health Cluster partners on the ground treating the patients, at least 70 people have died and hundreds more have been affected. Doctors in Idleb are reporting that dozens of patients suffering from breathing difficulties and suffocation have been admitted to hospitals in the governorate for urgent medical attention, many of them women and children.
Helping Syrians cope with depression 30-03-2017
Like most refugees worldwide, Syrians now living in Turkey are under tremendous psychological stress. During years of conflict, many have lost loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods and certainty about their futures. After escaping bombs or sniper fire, they suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological illnesses.
WHO publishes evaluation of the Turkish Healthy Nutrition and Active Life Programme 23-03-2017
6 years into the conflict, hero vaccinators in northern Syria brave danger to protect children from disease 15-03-2017
This month marks a tragic milestone: 6 years since the conflict began in the Syrian Arab Republic. This ongoing crisis has led to 5 million refugees, more than 6 million internally displaced people and 13.5 million people in need within the country.
WHO mobile clinics bring health care to northern Syria 01-03-2017
The WHO Regional Office for Europe today announced the delivery of five mobile clinics to meet the health needs of sick and injured people in northern Syria. Each unit can provide first aid and emergency care for up to 1000 people per month. WHO/Europe made the announcement during an awards ceremony held near its field office in Gaziantep, Turkey, attended by representatives of Turkey’s Ministry of Health. The event honoured the achievements of health partners, as well as the support of the Turkish Government, in providing medical care to the people of northern Syria in 2016.
Tobacco control activities in Turkey enter a new phase, with leaders looking to ensure sustainability 24-02-2017
More than 100 representatives from public institutions, academia and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) gathered in Ankara on 9 February 2017 to discuss recent steps taken and planned measures to strengthen tobacco control in Turkey.
Help for Syrian refugees: comprehensive plan updated 23-02-2017
The Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), now entering its third year, details the humanitarian response of many agencies in several countries, including Turkey. The response focuses on alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees, addressing basic needs and preventing large numbers of refugees from falling deeper into poverty.
Update on WHO’s Syrian refugee response in Turkey 21-02-2017
Since October 2013, the WHO field presence in Gaziantep, Turkey has supported the Ministry of Health in addressing the health needs of Syrian refugees in the country. There are currently 2.8 million refugees in Turkey, and 85 Migrant Health Centres that provide health services to them. The following update gives an overview of key activities in January 2017.
Update on WHO’s response in northern Syria 20-02-2017
As the health-sector leader for partners working in the northern Syrian Arab Republic and southern Turkey, WHO facilitates a variety of life-saving interventions. The following update provides an overview of key activities in January 2017. Of note, attacks on health care continued in this area, with 7 reports of hijackings or thefts of ambulances and other facilities waiting to be verified. Challenges to access continue to be a concern in the face of renewed fighting in Idleb.
Experiences of evacuations from eastern Aleppo, Syria 06-01-2017
Intensified fighting in eastern Aleppo starting in July 2016 resulted in thousands of people injured and killed, and has deprived the civilian population of essential services, including health care. In September 2016, the humanitarian community began negotiations with parties to the conflict to obtain approval for a medical evacuation and assistance plan that would allow the delivery of medicines into the city and the evacuation of civilians.
Turkey accelerates its efforts to create a physically active society 19-12-2016
Physical inactivity, along with other lifestyle-related health risk factors (such as unhealthy diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption), is becoming increasingly prevalent in developing countries that face rapid economic and social development, urbanization and industrialization. It has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (accounting for 6% of deaths globally). Moreover, physical inactivity is estimated to be the main cause for approximately 21–25% of breast and colon cancers, 27% of diabetes and approximately 30% of ischaemic heart disease burden.
WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Turkey reconfirm priorities for cooperation in 2016–2017 13-12-2016
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab and Minister of Health of Turkey Professor Recep Akdağ signed the biennial collaborative agreement between WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Turkey for 2016–2017. This is another successful step in the distinguished 60-year collaboration between WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Turkey. In this new biennium, they will continue to work closely on a number of priority areas to ensure health for all and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Psychological first aid: first-line support in emergency situations 14-10-2016
World Mental Health Day 2016 focuses on psychological first aid – important first-line mental health and psychosocial support for people affected by crises. These can include wars, disasters or other types of trauma, such as an accident or an assault. Despite its name, psychological first aid covers both psychological and social support.
2.7 million Syrian refugees in Turkey receive public health advice 07-10-2016
Supporting emergency response in Aleppo from Gaziantep, Turkey 06-10-2016
The siege of eastern Aleppo in the northern Syrian Arab Republic has devastated the city’s health system, with fewer than 30 doctors now available to care for more than 270 000 people.
From emergency operations to recovery and development 23-09-2016
Conflicts in the Syrian Arab Republic and the knock-on effects in Turkey, as well as the unrest in eastern Ukraine, are putting unprecedented pressure on the health of affected populations. In the third of a series of features on humanitarian response, we look at WHO/Europe’s and partners’ work on protracted humanitarian crises – from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery – as part of the new Health Emergencies Programme.
WHO and partners deliver essential medicines and supplies to 900 000 patients in northern Syria 24-08-2016
A newly established essential medical supply line is currently providing essential medicines and supplies to 900 000 patients hospitalized in 175 health facilities in northern Syria.
69 cities designated to the WHO European Healthy Cities Network Phase VI (2014–2018) 04-08-2016
3 cities were designated in Phase VI of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network bringing the total number of designated cities to 69.
WHO sustains its delivery of health and humanitarian assistance in Syria 03-08-2016
As the conflict in Syria continues into its 5th year, WHO sustains its delivery of health and humanitarian assistance, particularly to people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas that need health and medical supplies the most.
WHO gives evidence at Turkish parliamentary hearing on child maltreatment 04-07-2016
30 members of Parliament and advisors were present at a hearing on child maltreatment at the Turkish Parliament on 22 June 2016. The Parliamentary Commission on Child Abuse had been called to investigate all forms of child abuse with a focus on sexual abuse and to advise lawmakers on countermeasures.
WHO delivers emergency supplies to Idleb, northern Syria 22-06-2016
On 15 June 2016, WHO delivered 2 truckloads of emergency supplies to 15 primary health clinics and 15 hospitals that provide health care to more than 110 000 patients on a monthly basis in Idleb, northern Syria. The supplies included 45 basic interagency emergency health kits, 15 surgical supply kits and Italian emergency kits (5 of type A and 5 of type B). The shipment was provided through funding from the United States Agency for International Development and the State of Kuwait.
WHO conducts infectious substances shipping training for national influenza centres from 19 countries 15-06-2016
24 specialists from 19 countries achieved certification after attending WHO's infectious substances shippers training (ISST) in Tbilisi, Georgia on 2–4 May 2016.
Symposium on migration and global health diplomacy in Gaziantep 03-06-2016
Solidarity and multisectoral collaboration in health humanitarian and emergency responses took centre stage at a symposium on migration and global health diplomacy at Gaziantep University in Turkey on 17 May 2016.
Workshop to determine an essential package of health services in northern Syria 01-06-2016
The WHO Field Presence in Gaziantep, Turkey conducted a workshop to review and build consensus among health partners on the content of a package of essential health services to provide quality primary health care (PHC) in northern Syria.
World Humanitarian Summit shines spotlight on the world's most vulnerable, spurs action to meet their needs 30-05-2016
The first World Humanitarian Summit was convened in Istanbul, Turkey, on 23–24 May 2016. A total of 9 000 participants from 173 Member States of the United Nations met to discuss the pressing challenges that are driving suffering and humanitarian needs to unprecedented heights. The participants included 55 heads of state and government, hundreds of representatives of the private sector and thousands of people from civil society and nongovernmental organizations. The Summit brought to global attention the fact that a new, coherent approach is required to address the needs of more than 130 million of the world's most vulnerable people. Humanitarian assistance alone can neither adequately deal with nor sustainably reduce those needs.
Positive feedback on the health financing course on universal health coverage 13-05-2016
The sixth WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place on 14–18 March 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the course reviewed ways to improve health systems' performance through better policy on health financing.
WHO delivers medicines and supplies to 13 health organizations in northern Syria 12-05-2016
Between 25 April and 6 May 2016, WHO shipped 47 tonnes of essential medicines and surgical supply kits to 13 health partners, to serve a population of 400 000 in northern Syria. More than half the displaced people are mothers and children.
Turkey accelerates its whole-of-government and whole-of-society response to noncommunicable diseases 11-05-2016
The United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) was in Turkey from 20 to 22 April 2016 to support the Government of Turkey to meet its NCD-related Sustainable Development Goal targets. These targets are included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in national development plans and policies.
Turkey: strengthening primary health care for better noncommunicable disease outcomes 11-05-2016
An interdisciplinary team visited Turkey from 18 to 22 April 2016 to follow up on the country's progress in scaling up core noncommunicable disease (NCD) services in primary health care. The focus was on strengthening the model of care, addressing human resource issues, introducing performance management and reviewing incentives.
Turkey hosts an assessment meeting on nutrition and physical activity 05-05-2016
A team of international experts in nutrition and physical activity joined WHO staff in Ankara, Turkey from 25 to 29 April 2016. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Turkish National Healthy Nutrition and Active Life Programme, following an invitation from the Turkish Ministry of Health.
WHO train-the-trainer workshop on telephone counselling for tobacco quit line counsellors in Turkey 05-05-2016
In response to the needs of the Ministry of Health of Turkey to improve the quality of tobacco quit line services in the country, WHO and the International Quitline Institute (IQI) held a joint technical meeting on 10–15 April 2016 in Tekirdağ. They reviewed the telephone counselling protocols used by the Turkish quit line and conducted a train-the-trainer workshop on telephone counselling.
Turkey observes World Health Day with simultaneous events across the country 20-04-2016
Turkey marked World Health Day 2016 with simultaneous awareness and knowledge-raising events across the country.
Turkey develops multistakeholder national action plan for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 05-04-2016
On 1 April 2016, representatives of the Government of Turkey and other stakeholders met with WHO to review Turkey's draft multistakeholder action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
WHO/Europe trains laboratory and education experts on curriculum development for laboratory doctors 01-04-2016
WHO/Europe's Better Labs for Better Health initiative, in collaboration with the Dutch Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), facilitated a 3-day training course on curriculum development for laboratory doctors on 16–18 March 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey.
30 field workers complete trainings on mental health detection and referral in emergencies 01-04-2016
WHO, in collaboration with International Medical Corps, conducted 4 trainings in December 2015 and February 2016 in Gaziantep, Turkey for 30 Syrian mental health workers.
Antibiotic awareness drives digital conversation in European countries 16-03-2016
The use of social and other digital media – Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, text messages, video and websites – for health messaging is growing rapidly in the WHO European Region. All 19 of the non-EU countries that participated in the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) in 2015 used digital media to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance. This marks a tremendous change from a couple of years earlier, when only around 10% of these countries used digital media to promote campaigns.
10 EWARN team members attend public health surveillance workshop in Gaziantep 16-02-2016
On 27 and 28 January 2016, 10 members of the Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN) central-level team gathered in Gaziantep, Turkey for a capacity-building workshop. WHO and EWARN partners organized the workshop, with contributions from the United Kingdom Department of International Development.
WHO and health partners collaborate in risk communication activities in northern Syria 16-02-2016
Following a recent cholera outbreak in neighbouring Iraq, WHO and its partners worked together to develop and produce tens of thousands of posters and leaflets to help educate people in northern Syria about the risks of diarrhoeal diseases. Coordination and collaboration among health partners is a key tool for early, timely, effective action to address public health challenges. In this instance, such cooperation led to the dissemination of 18 000 posters and 450 000 leaflets.
Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation tool now available in Turkish 05-02-2016
WHO Regional Office for Europe has provided training in Turkey to 5 laboratory heads and quality experts to date in the implementation of the LQSI tool.
WHO delivers surgical kits and cholera tests for people in need in northern Syrian Arab Republic 04-02-2016
On 27 January 2016, WHO shipped forty emergency surgical kits and five hundred cholera tests to northern Syria to support health operations and assist people on the ground.
WHO expert meeting gathers tailored policy advice from past health ministers on large-scale health system reforms 01-02-2016
In a pioneering effort to harvest actionable insights and expertise for large-scale health system transformation, WHO/Europe, the Deusto Business School of Spain and the Centre for Public Policy and Health of Durham University jointly gathered over 25 high-level past policy- and decision-makers in health systems in Madrid, Spain on 17–18 December 2015.
Assessment of Turkey’s progress in achieving better noncommunicable disease outcomes 21-01-2016
On 14–18 December 2015, the WHO Country Office in Turkey organized a series of meetings, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to review and document the country's progress in increasing the role of family medicine in detecting and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Ministry of Health of Turkey holds symposium on rational use of antibiotics during first World Antibiotic Awareness Week 17-12-2015
The Turkish Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of the Ministry of Health organized an antibiotic awareness symposium in Istanbul on 18–20 November 2015 to participate in WHO's first World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) held on 16–22 November 2015.
Updating the health system performance assessment (HSPA) in Turkey 16-12-2015
In order to respond to the Turkish Ministry of Health's request to update the HSPA, a team led by Dr Elke Jakubowski, Programme Manager, Public Health Services at WHO/Europe, visited Turkey on 14–17 September 2015.
Continuous paediatrics training for family health physicians and health workers in Turkey 11-12-2015
The fourth and last continuous paediatrics training for family health physicians and health workers took place at the International Children's Center in Ankara, Turkey on 28 November 2015.
Turkey conducts review of legal aspects of IHR implementation 08-12-2015
The International Health Regulations (IHR) envision a multisectoral approach with all relevant sectors of Member State national authorities contributing to the detection, assessment and response to potential public health events of international concern.
Training course on antimicrobial resistance surveillance and stewardship in Istanbul, Turkey 01-12-2015
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to adequate treatment of infectious diseases in individual patients and has been associated with higher morbidity, higher mortality and longer hospital stay, thus having an effect on the individual, but also society at large.
WHO Country Office supports the Government of Turkey in its efforts to increase seatbelt use through local action 30-11-2015
Despite improvements in road safety, some 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, according to WHO's "Global status report on road safety 2015" launched on 19 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland.
New WHO report shows comparable antibiotic resistance in EU and non-EU countries in the European Region 12-11-2015
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat. Data from more countries improve understanding of antibiotic resistance across the WHO European Region and can guide countries in building or strengthening their national surveillance. The first World Antibiotic Awareness Week takes place on 16–22 November 2015.
Turkey held follow-up meetings on 2013 country assessment on better noncommunicable disease outcomes 24-10-2015
On 12–14 October 2015, the WHO Country Office in Turkey organized a series of meetings of WHO experts in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to review and document the country's progress in noncommunicable disease (NCD) outcomes since 2013.
Turkey shares experience in stopping illegal tobacco product sales 13-10-2015
WHO and the Ministry of Finance of Turkey have a long, successful history of collaboration on tobacco tax and administration.
HIV/AIDS programme review in Turkey 21-09-2015
The HIV/AIDS programme review took place in Ankara and Istanbul on 7–11 September 2015 with the aim of assessing the current HIV/AIDS situation in Turkey.
First step to resume routine immunization in Gaziantep 25-08-2015
35 representatives of international and local nongovernmental organizations, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) promoting immunization in northern Syria gathered for measles supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and a routine immunization workshop in Gaziantep, Turkey, on 28–29 July 2015.
On World Humanitarian Day: Interview with a Syrian doctor 19-08-2015
"The secret to a happy life, we were told in medical school, is to do good for others" says Dr Ghassan Sabri Bako, a Syrian doctor, now trained in how to work in the Turkish health system and help fellow Syrians. This adaptation training is one way in which WHO is contributing to health services for the 1.9 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.
WHO discusses further cooperation with Turkey on Syrian humanitarian crisis 14-08-2015
In July 2015, Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative to Turkey, had a series of meetings with local health authorities in Gaziantep, Turkey, and health partners to further discuss the Syria humanitarian public health emergency response.
Advanced Health Information Workshop in the Russian Federation 13-08-2015
The Advanced Health Information Workshop took place on 29 June–3 July 2015 in UN House, Moscow, Russian Federation.
WHO Country Office in Turkey provides tobacco control training 05-08-2015
In collaboration with the Government of Turkey, the WHO Country Office in Turkey provided technical and logistical support to a 3-day training on tobacco control for Iraqi participants in Istanbul, Turkey on 27–29 July 2015.
WHO delivers emergency health kits to Suruc in Turkey 24-07-2015
WHO has delivered 30 health kits consisting of emergency and surgical supplies to the health camps in Suruc, Turkey, to respond to a sudden influx of refugees and to emergencies such as the bomb blast that killed more than 30 and injured about 100 people 2 days ago.
Turkey hosts press conference on road safety 23-07-2015
On 15 July 2015, Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal hosted a press conference launching a road safety campaign before Eid al-Fitr festivities in Turkey.
Turkey holds intersectoral workshop on food safety from “One Health” perspective 25-06-2015
On 11–12 May 2015, a national intersectoral workshop on strengthening food safety systems was conducted in Ankara, Turkey jointly with WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
World Blood Donor Day celebrated with more than 100 simultaneous events all around Turkey 17-06-2015
On 14 June 2015, World Blood Donor Day was celebrated with more than 100 simultaneous events all around Turkey.
WHO/Europe and Turkey hold injection safety workshop 11-06-2015
The Ministry of Health, the Public Health Institute of Turkey (PHIT), Hacettepe University and its Occupational Safety and Health Research and Application Center, and the WHO Country Office in Turkey jointly organized an injection safety workshop in Ankara on 10 June 2015.
Turkey’s achievements in tobacco control recognized 01-06-2015
On 27 May 2015, Professor Murat Tuncer, President of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, received a WHO World No Tobacco Day 2015 award in recognition of his strong leadership in tobacco control.
Turkey’s field epidemiology training programme holds third conference 29-05-2015
The field epidemiology training programme (FETP) in Turkey held its third national scientific conference in Ankara on 25–26 May 2015.
World No Tobacco Day awards 2015 27-05-2015
WHO gives the World No Tobacco Day awards every year to carefully selected individuals and/or organizations in recognition of their accomplishments in tobacco control and in the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
World Health Day 2015: countries across Europe promote food safety 20-05-2015
World Health Day 2015 was an opportunity to recognize the important food safety role of all involved in food production, and to strengthen collaboration and coordination between these different areas to prevent, detect and respond to foodborne diseases.
High-level panel discusses food safety: World Health Day 2015 in Turkey 28-04-2015
Over 200 experts including high-level representatives from the Ministry of Health; Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock; Hacettepe University; the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), NGOs and WHO/Europe attended a high-level event to mark World Health Day 2015.
Towards a malaria-free European Region by the end of 2015 24-04-2015
The number of malaria cases in the WHO European Region has dropped dramatically. Cases reported locally have declined from above 90 000 in 1995 to only two reported in Tajikistan in 2014. Statistics indicate, however, that about 5000 cases were imported into the Region in 2014, and the threat of reintroducing the disease remains. The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by the end of this year.
New publication - Strategic planning for health: a case study from Turkey 20-04-2015
This report explores the role of strategic planning in Turkey's successful transformation of its health sector since 2002. It analyses the evolution of strategic planning for health from an informal tool to an official and highly structured process that closely follows the steps identified in accepted models of strategic planning.
Countries of South-eastern Europe come together to discuss common policy approaches to health and migration 01-04-2015
On 19-20 March 2015, representatives from the Ministries of Health of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Israel, the United Nations Administered Province of Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia met in Tirana, Albania, for a two-day workshop on public health policies for migration.
Turkey releases Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) survey of university students in Turkey report 23-03-2015
On 27 February 2015 agencies gathered in Ankara for the release of the Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) survey of university students in Turkey report, which incrementally links abuse and other adversity in childhood to higher instances of health harming behaviours in adulthood including smoking, alcohol abuse, street drug use and overall worse physical and mental health. Following several presentations, 90 stakeholders participated in a multisectoral policy dialogue centered on strategies to prevent and address child maltreatment.
WHO visits Turkey’s newest camp for Syrian refugees 24-02-2015
The Government of Turkey has recently opened a new refugee camp in Suruç, close to the Syrian border, with capacity for 35 000 people. The camp is already sheltering approximately 5000 Syrian refugees, who fled the Kobane area in Syria last year.
Countries urged to set national targets and implement proven interventions to prevent premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases 19-01-2015
Every year, 16 million people die prematurely – before the age of 70 – of heart and lung diseases, a stroke, cancer or diabetes, according to the “Global Status Report on noncommunicable diseases 2014”, released by WHO today. The report states that most of these deaths are preventable and, with an investment of only US$1-3 dollars per person per year, countries can dramatically reduce illness and death from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
US$29 million needed for health sector response to Syrian refugees in Turkey 12-01-2015
The United Nations projects that the number of Syrian refugees living in Turkey will rise in 2015 to 2.5 million, 300 000 of whom will live in camps. The health response by partners supporting the Turkish Government in providing protection and support to refugees requires approximately US$29 million this year. WHO is requesting US$3.8 million of this amount.
Turkey boosts country capacity skills for emergency preparedness and response 11-12-2014
As public health and humanitarian crises demand stronger coping capacity from countries, Turkey has been working to improve the skills of those managing emergencies in the areas of health, emergency and border control, with support from WHO/Europe.
Training Syrian doctors in Turkey to boost health services 08-12-2014
Twenty-five Syrian doctors are now putting their skills to use providing medical services for fellow refugees in clinics operated by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and in refugee camps.
Working together for health and health equity goals 03-12-2014
On 27-28 November 2014, representatives from 8 countries in the WHO European Region met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to share their policy experiences and the key lessons learned from the design and implementation of cross sectoral approaches to improve health and well-being. The meeting’s format provided a platform to discuss health policy developments that recognize the Health 2020 strategic objectives of reducing inequalities and better governance, using social determinants and equity perspectives.
Working for better noncommunicable disease outcomes in Turkey: challenges and opportunities for health systems 09-10-2014
A week long policy dialogue and training course is underway in Turkey, to take forward recommendations of a new WHO report assessing the health system response to NCD prevention and control. Turkey was one of the first countries to undertake an assessment of the health system capacity to respond to NCD, using the assessment guide developed by WHO Regional Office for Europe. The assessment was conducted in 2013 by WHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Turkey.
More Member States to introduce inactivated polio vaccine as next step in global endgame strategy 08-09-2014
WHO/Europe provides ongoing support for IPV introduction in Member States that currently use OPV only. As part of this effort a consultative meeting for 9 Member States was organized in Istanbul, Turkey, from 13 to 15 August 2014.
WHO delivers medical supplies to Syrian hospital 19-08-2014
WHO delivers first tranche of health kits for Syrians living in Turkey 04-08-2014
The first tranche of the 86 health kits donated by WHO to the Government of Turkey to help provide health care services to Syrian refugees has reached the country.
Strengthening intersectoral work in the food safety area in Turkey 27-06-2014
WHO/Europe met with Turkish officials in Ankara, Turkey on 29-30 May 2014 to discuss plans to strengthen intersectoral work in the field of foodborne diseases, zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
13 cities designated to WHO European Health Cities Network Phase VI (2014-2018) 26-06-2014
13 cities designated to WHO European Health Cities Network Phase VI (2014-2018)
3 ministers join in call to action to promote healthy lifestyles for children in Turkey 18-06-2014
Results of the European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative study conducted in Tuekey were launched on 9 June 2014 in Ankara, Turkey.
Review of polio eradication programme in Turkey 09-06-2014
Performance of the polio eradication programme in Turkey was evaluated at a workshop led by WHO, UNICEF and national experts on 14-15 May 2014.
Europeans deserve tougher policies to protect their health 06-06-2014
During a visit to Turkey on 4 June, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, focused on tobacco, obesity and physical inactivity. A national tobacco-control event was held in Ankara for World No Tobacco Day and to launch the national tobacco-control programme and action plan for Turkey for 2014–2018. As part of the event, the Turkish Minister of Health, Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, presented an award to the Regional Director for WHO/Europe’s exemplary contribution to tobacco-control work in Turkey.
Acting together to improve road safety in Turkey 03-06-2014
More than 200 stakeholders attended a Road Safety Platform strategy planning and coordination meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on 29 April 2014 organized by the Security Directorate General with support from WHO and the health, transportation and education ministries. Presentations described the comprehensive activities being undertaken in Turkey line with the national Road Safety Decade of Action, which aims to reduce road crash deaths by 50% by 2020.
World Health Assembly closes: resolution on antimicrobial resistance approved 27-05-2014
The Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly closed on Saturday 24 May 2014, after adopting more than 20 resolutions on public health issues of global importance.
Walking to halt rising obesity in Turkey 12-05-2014
On Sunday, 27 April, thousands of people walked in Istanbul to support the obesity prevention programme. Along with Dr Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, Minister of Health; Mr Kadir Topbaş, Istanbul’s Greater City Mayor; and Mr Mustafa Taşdemir, Istanbul’s Public Health Director, they were participating in one of the monthly organized events resulting from the declaration of 2014 as a year for healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
Malaria: great progress towards elimination, but persistent threat of imported cases and reintroduction 25-04-2014
The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by 2015.
Delegates from across the Region stand together to immunize Europe 03-04-2014
Immunization programme managers from 46 Member States gathered in Antalya, Turkey on 18–20 March 2014 to assess the current status of vaccine-preventable diseases and set the future course for immunization in the European Region. The WHO/Europe meeting created the opportunity for all those who lead immunization programmes in the Region to share their concerns, experiences and plans with each other as well as with representatives of partner and donor agencies and international associations of health care professionals.
Turkey's tobacco control experiences shared with Moldovan delegation 19-01-2014
A high-level delegation from the Republic of Moldova visited Turkey on 9–10 December 2013 to learn more about tobacco control policies and their effective implementation.
Health 2020 implementation at subnational level in Turkey 17-01-2014
Aligning subnational health care priorities with European health policy commitments was the focus of a 2-day roundtable event organized in the province of Elazığ, Turkey in 17–18 December 2013.
Strategy to prevent health effects of climate change underway in Turkey 13-01-2014
A strategy development workshop organized by the Ministry of Health on 5–6 December 2013 in Ankara focused on how best to adapt to climate change, emergency preparedness, whole-of-government support, practical action in urban development and infectious disease surveillance. WHO/Europe provided technical guidance for the workshop.
Initiating a response to antibiotic resistance in Turkey 07-01-2014
On 4–5 December 2013, Turkey´s Ministry of Health organized the first national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) laboratory surveillance network (NAMRS) meeting in Ankara, Turkey with technical support from WHO/Europe.
Campaign in Turkey calls on drivers to consider consequences of speedıng 20-12-2013
A new campaign to prevent speeding on Turkey’s roads was launched by WHO and the Government of Turkey on 5 December 2013. By inciting drivers to “Think about the consequences, reduce your speed,” the campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries due to speeding.
One step closer to a tobacco-free Turkey 27-11-2013
In addition to successfully implementing a total ban on smoking in public places and workplaces, Turkey has now launched a comprehensive programme to help smokers quit the habit. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the smoking cessation campaign on 14 November 2013, WHO Country Representative Dr Maria Cristina Profili praised the country for its achievements and pledged WHO´s continuing support for national efforts to protect the population against tobacco use.
Un- or under-immunized travellers from polio-infected areas to receive polio vaccine boost 05-11-2013
The current poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic and remaining polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan), as well as frequent population movements and vaccination gaps in some European countries, increases the risk of the international spread of wild poliovirus. As long as the virus is circulating in the world and vaccination coverage is not optimal, polio threatens to return to the WHO European Region.
Transforming mental health care in Turkey 29-10-2013
Large-scale transformation efforts in the field of mental health care in Turkey were highlighted through a conference held in Ankara, Turkey on 2–3 October 2013. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with WHO, within the scope of the Project “Promoting services for people with disabilities” funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Turkey.
WHO/Europe supports Turkish polio operations from a new field presence in Gaziantep 24-10-2013
As part of the cross-regional response to a suspected poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey is scaling up surveillance of suspected cases and vaccination of Syrian citizens under temporary protection in Turkey. A newly established WHO presence in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the border of the Syrian Arab Republic, is serving as an important centre of operations. 24 October is World Polio Day.
Translating evidence into effective public health policy 07-10-2013
WHO/Europe is taking steps to improve Member States’ ability to use health information to create an evidence base for crucial public health questions. The Autumn School on Health Information and Evidence for Policy-making, a joint venture between WHO/Europe and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands, is taking place on 7–11 October 2013 in Izmir, Turkey. Alongside it, the first workshop will be held of the multicountry Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), Europe. Today, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Minister of Health of Turkey, Dr Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, officially opened the Autumn School.
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 4 19-09-2013
On the final day of the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Member States adopted the European Action Plan on Mental Health. A total of 11 resolutions and 2 decisions were adopted at this year’s session.
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 3 18-09-2013
Today the Regional Committee agreed on a regional framework for the surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya fever, and welcomed the signing of a Joint Framework Agreement between WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 2 17-09-2013
Today the Regional Committee adopted 20 core indicators to measure Health 2020 targets, as well as reporting on national developments towards its implementation.
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 1 16-09-2013
The sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe was opened by the outgoing Executive President of the Regional Committee, Dr Lars-Erik Holm, and began with Dr Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, Minister of Health of Turkey welcoming ministers and delegates from 51 Member States in the WHO European Region.
Regional Committee opens in Turkey 16-09-2013
Health ministers and senior officials from 51 Member States in the WHO European Region are in Çeşme Izmir, Turkey, on 16–19 September 2013 for the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Turkey promotes universal health coverage 28-06-2013
A ministerial conference on universal health coverage is taking place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 27–28 June 2013, organized by the Ministry of Health of Turkey; Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Istanbul Medipol University and “The Lancet”, and with the participation of WHO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank.
WHO formalizes agreement with Turkey 18-06-2013
On 17 June 2013, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Ahmet Berki Dibek, Ambassador of Turkey to Denmark, signed an agreement formalizing the terms upon which the WHO Country Office, Turkey, in Ankara, operates.
Balkan countries improve knowledge of international food standards setting. Zagreb, Croatia, 4-6 June 2013 17-06-2013
This joint initiative of WHO/Europe and of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia aimed to strengthen country capacity for effective participation in the activities of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius.
Turkish Parliament supports road safety 05-06-2013
More than 300 people gathered in the gardens of the Turkish Parliament on 16 May 2013 to take part in an awareness-raising event on road safety, with a particular focus on using car seat belts.
Turkey – a model of success in tobacco control 03-06-2013
“Today, people in Turkey breathe more easily than they did just a few years ago,” said Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Margaret Chan, marking World No Tobacco Day, 31 May, in Istanbul, Turkey.
World Health Assembly, day 2: General Programme of Work for next 6 years approved 23-05-2013
The World Health Assembly approved a resolution on the General Programme of Work and changes to the financial regulations and rules on 21 May 2013.
Turkey hosts third annual regional influenza surveillance meeting 21-05-2013
WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will hold their third annual joint influenza surveillance meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, from 29 to 31 May 2013.
Turkey: Self advocates call for equal opportunities and social inclusion 21-05-2013
Self advocates in Turkey who have lived in institutions and then undergone the transition to community care made a powerful call for equal opportunities, independent living and social inclusion at a conference recently held in Istanbul.
Communication central to health response in crises 16-05-2013
Responding quickly and effectively to health emergencies challenges health authorities. Crisis communication must be an integral part of any early warning and response system at both the national and local levels. On 7–9 May 2013, 40 people took part in a national exercise in Ankara, Turkey, to ensure that crisis communication is an integral part of public health authorities’ response to threats to health and safety.
Decade of Action and road-safety platform launched in Turkey 30-04-2013
The Government of Turkey, WHO and partners launched a road-safety platform on 3 April 2013. This platform will implement Turkey’s road-safety plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020.
Progress in reducing salt consumption in Turkey 08-04-2013
Salt content in foods and the high average salt intake in Turkey have begun to decrease in response to a comprehensive salt reduction programme initiated by the Government in 2011.
Turkey holds its own Field Epidemiology Training Programme 19-02-2013
The Turkey field epidemiology training programme (FETP) held its first national scientific conference in Ankara on 6–7 February 2013. National and international public health leaders gave speeches and lectures on such topics as an overview of field epidemiology in Turkey, laboratory issues in outbreak investigations, public health surveillance and event-based surveillance.
Bangladesh delegation reviews Turkey’s tobacco control measures 01-02-2013
A parliamentary delegation from Bangladesh, led by former Economy Minister Mr Tofail Ahmed, visited Turkey on 25–27 January 2013 to gather information on Turkey's efforts to curb tobacco use.
Turkey to host the sixty-third session of WHO Regional Committee for Europe 29-01-2013
Turkey will host the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in the city of Izmir on 16–19 September 2013. The session was originally planned to be held in Portugal.
Turkish delegation visits WHO/Europe 20-01-2013
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, acknowledged the humanitarian support that the Turkish Government has provided to Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey and its investment in the health system, in discussions during a high-level delegation visit to WHO/Europe earlier this month.
WHO/Europe scales up emergency support for Syrians 16-01-2013
The deterioration of the crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic and its impact on neighbouring countries have necessitated substantial WHO support at the international level, involving all concerned countries, as well as WHO regional offices and headquarters.
United Nations mission visits camps for Syrian people in Turkey 13-12-2012
On 4–5 December 2012, a joint United Nations health mission to southern Turkey visited four camps for Syrian people hosted in Turkey as a consequence of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. The mission was conducted by WHO and other agencies, with support from AFAD, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of the Prime Ministry of Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Countries in European and Eastern Mediterranean regions build capacity in global health diplomacy 04-12-2012
Representatives of 10 countries in the WHO European and Eastern Mediterranean regions participated in an executive course on global health diplomacy, exploring common interests in health as a foreign policy issue and illustrating how countries have collaborated at the national and regional levels for global health. The course was held in Ankara, Turkey on 26–30 November 2012.
Turkey on the move to reduce breast cancer 21-11-2012
Thousands of people walked across the Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul on 11 November 2012 as part of the second annual "Walking for the Cure" for breast cancer event that was held in conjunction with the annual Eurasian marathon, to promote awareness and encourage routine screening for early detection of breast cancer.
Strengthening the Turkish National Health Strategic Plan 06-11-2012
WHO/Europe welcomed to its premises in Copenhagen a delegation from Turkey led by Dr Songül Doğan, Advisor of the Deputy Undersecretary, for consultation meetings that took place during 30 October – 1 November 2012.
Walking day celebrated throughout Turkey 24-10-2012
On 3 October 2012, 81 provinces throughout Turkey organized events to promote physical activity. According to a Ministry of Health survey, 72% of the population do not take physical exercise.
First applied epidemiology short course successfully conducted in Turkey 16-10-2012
The Turkey Field Epidemiology Training Programme, part of WHO/Europe's Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases which is a European Union funded project, launched the first applied epidemiology short course for public health professionals on 17 September-5 October 2012.
WHO raises public awareness in Turkey on International Day of Older Persons 08-10-2012
To celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and the WHO Country Office in Turkey organized an event at Ankara City Council on 1 October 2012. The event marked the launch of the first Council Elderly Assembly meeting and was attended by the Vice Mayor of Ankara, the media, UNICEF and UNFPA representatives and other stakeholders.
National focal persons discuss violence and injury prevention 03-10-2012
The seventh network meeting of the European health ministry focal persons on violence and injury prevention will take place in Antalya, Turkey on 17-18 October 2012 to comprehensively discuss the implementation of policy developments for the prevention of violence and injuries in the European Region and to allow the exchange of country experience.
Strengthening injury surveillance capacity 03-10-2012
In recognition that surveillance is a crucial step to injury prevention, WHO/Europe will hold a workshop on improving capacity for injury prevention through improved injury surveillance in Antalya, Turkey on 16 October 2012.
Member States and tobacco control partners meet in Turkey to share experiences and discuss priorities for action 27-09-2012
National counterparts, the European Commission, representatives of WHO collaborating centres and other partner organizations met in Ankara, Turkey on 18–20 September 2012 to share experiences with tobacco control challenges and to discuss tobacco control priority areas for the WHO European Region.
Turkey marks progress in fight against noncommunicable diseases 24-09-2012
Just six years ago, more than one in three adults in Turkey used tobacco products, which greatly increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. But today Turkey is a success story. A new study of health professionals showing that more than 1 in 2 Turkish health managers have given up tobacco in the past 4 years, reflects what is being seen across the country.
Statement by Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, regarding WHO’s policy on reducing tobacco production 18-09-2012
In this statement, the Regional Director responds to a statement made by the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) regarding WHO's tobacco control policies.
Policy dialogue in Turkey supports development of new strategic health plan 17-08-2012
Two participative dialogue meetings were held by Turkey's Ministry of Health on 2 and 3 July 2012 to inform development of a new strategic plan for the years 2013–2017.
Release of Case studies on health system performance assessment, A long-standing development in Europe 14-08-2012
Health system performance assessment (HSPA) is a country-specific process of evaluating and communicating the achievement of high-level health system goals.
Road-safety campaign leads to increased seat-belt use in Turkish province 27-07-2012
The use of seat-belts by drivers and front-seat passengers in Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey rose from less than 8% to 50% in the last two-and-a-half years, thanks to a new road-safety campaign. The campaign was launched in 2010 as part of a five-year project, coordinated by WHO, in 10 countries.
Turkey receives third WHO award for tobacco control achievements 10-07-2012
A World No Tobacco Day award for 2012 was presented to Professor Dr Cevdet Erdöl, President of the Health, Family, Labour and Social Affairs Commission, Grand National Assembly of Turkey, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to tobacco control. Turkey is the only country in the world that has received three WHO awards in five years' time on the same public health topic.
Making cities healthy for everyone: European mayors share experiences 21-06-2012
Over 300 mayors and municipal health leaders met in St Petersburg, Russian Federation on 14-16 June 2012 for the Annual Business and Technical Conference of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. At the Conference, participants shared solutions for creating urban environments that nurture health and well-being throughout life.
National ATOME Conference: Strategic Action Plan for Improving Access to Opioid Medicines in Turkey 07-06-2012
The national Atome Conference was held in Ankara on 2 May 2012.
Symposium launches plans to increase road safety in Turkey 23-05-2012
The Third National Symposium for Road Traffic Safety held in Ankara, Turkey on 16-18 May 2012 was opened by Mr İdris Naim Sahin, Minister of Interior and Mr Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication.
Five Europeans receive 2012 World No Tobacco Day awards 23-05-2012
WHO honoured five people from across the European Region for their work in fighting the global tobacco epidemic and promoting tobacco-control initiatives and policies.
First day of World Health Assembly focuses on universal health-care coverage 22-05-2012
The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened yesterday. In her opening address, Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of universal coverage.
New publication - Tobacco control in Turkey: story of commitment and leadership 02-05-2012
This new publication presents Turkey as a true country example that exhibits the “whole government” approach in its tobacco control efforts.
Turkey initiates staff training for new community-based mental health services 30-03-2012
On 27 March 2012, more than 120 multi-disciplinary staff of 47 newly established community mental health　centres across Turkey came together to attend the first two-day introductory training programme on the basics of community mental health care functions.
Progress toward improved road safety in Turkey 12-03-2012
The Road Safety in 10 Countries Project, RS10, met in Ankara, Turkey, on 28 February to discuss the progress achieved in Turkey in 2011 and to establish a workplan for 2012. This 4th Partners Meeting for the RS10 project in Turkey was attended by 55 policy makers and practitioners from Turkey together with the project's international partners.
New health system review on Turkey published 28-02-2012
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has released a new HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for Turkey. The review describes advances in health status achieved over recent decades as well as challenges that remain, including in the areas of governance and patient rights.
Turkey launches “World report on disability” 23-02-2012
The report, by WHO and the World Bank, was launched on 9 February 2012 in Turkey, at an event organized jointly by the authors and the Ministry of Family and Social Policy of Turkey.
Award to WHO Representative in Turkey to support tobacco control activities of the Ministry of Health 23-01-2012
On the occasion of the 4th year of smoke-free tobacco control law celebration, Dr Maria Cristina Profili, WHO Representative (WR) in Turkey, received the Health Minister’s Special Recognition Award 2012 for the exemplary support of the World Health Organization Country Office in Turkey, WR commendable work and contribution of the World Health Organization to the tobacco control activities of the Ministry of Health of Turkey.
Exchange programme highlights road-safety developments in Turkey and Russian Federation 17-01-2012
The Road Safety in 10 Countries Project, RS10, focused on seat-belt use and speed control during its first stage. Meeting in Ankara, Turkey on 7–9 December 2011, members of the project teams in Turkey and the Russian Federation discussed progress so far.
National Introductory meeting on improving quality of pediatric care in Turkey 07-12-2011
The main goal of the meeting was to initiate constructive dialogue with the major stakeholders, including clinicians, hospital managers, academicians and international partners on broad strategic approach for improving the quality of pediatric hospital care.
Information bulletin: second earthquake hits eastern Turkey 10-11-2011
An earthquake (magnitude 5.7) hit the Van area in eastern Turkey on 9 November 2011. It followed the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on 23 October 2011, which killed 601 people and injured more than 4152. Providing psychosocial services for disaster victims has been identified as a priority.
Information bulletin: earthquake in eastern Turkey (Van province) 24-10-2011
A powerful earthquake (magnitude of 7.2) hit south-eastern Turkey on Sunday, 23 October 2011, with its epicentre in the eastern province of Van. Turkish authorities are managing the rescue operations and have not requested any specific international support. WHO experts are on stand-by.
Community-based mental health services to provide alternative solution to hospital psychiatric care in Turkey 13-10-2011
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2011 focusing on "investing in mental health", a new national mental health action plan for Turkey was launched. The plan envisaged the establishment of a comprehensive network of community-based mental health services as an alternative solution to hospital psychiatric care.
Turkish ministries of finance and health work together in tobacco control 03-10-2011
On 3 October 2011, the Turkish Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance opened the first meeting on tobacco taxation jointly organized with WHO, with participation of Bloomberg Initiative partners coming from 15 countries all over the world.
Turkey develops response strategy to climate change 30-09-2011
Key national and international stakeholders met in Ankara on 28-30 September 2011 to discuss a response strategy to climate change.
Tobacco control policies in Turkey could cut smoking among adults by at least a quarter 30-09-2011
On 7 September 2011, the United Nations Office in Turkey hosted a seminar organized by the WHO Country Office in Turkey to discuss the findings of an evaluation on the effect of tobacco control policies on smoking prevalence and tobacco-attributable deaths in Turkey.
Reducing death and disability through road safety project in Turkey 29-09-2011
Key national institutions in Turkey and international partners meet in Ankara on 29 September 2011 to discuss progress of the Turkey Road Safety project where speeding and use of seat belts aim to reduce road traffic injuries. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death of 15-29 year olds in the European Region, and kill nearly 1.3 million people every year globally.
Reducing road deaths in Turkey: Ministry of Health and WHO meet to discuss achievements of the Road Safety project 04-08-2011
The Ministry of Health’s primary health care team lead by Dr Seracettin, Com General Director, visited the WHO Country Office, on 29 July 2011. The aim of the visit was to review the progress of the Road Safety project in 10 countries (RS10) funded by the Bloomberg Initiative and also implemented in Turkey.
Turkey hosts participants from 20 countries attending WHO international training on International Health Regulations (IHR2005) 15-06-2011
On 7-10 June 2011, the Ministry of Health of Turkey hosted the international training workshop, "International Health Regulations Core Capacity Tabletop Exercise Development and Public Health Management."
Turkey shares experience on tobacco control with neighbouring and mid/income countries 06-06-2011
On 25 - 27 May 2011, the Ministry of Health of Turkey hosted delegations from Ukraine and Kosovo (Under SCR1244) in a study tour aimed to learn from the Turkish experience of tobacco control policy, endorsement of laws and application of legislations for tobacco control.
Turkey’s health system well prepared for crises 30-05-2011
On 24 May 2011, a new WHO/Europe report, “Assessment of health systems’ crisis preparedness: Turkey”, was launched in Ankara by Professor Recep Akdağ, Minister of Health of Turkey, during a press conference attended by representatives of WHO/Europe and the European Commission (EC).
90 cities now designated in Phase V of Healthy Cities 24-05-2011
The WHO European Healthy Cities Network has hit a Phase V milestone. 90 cities have been through a rigorous application process and have been designated by the network. Congratulations to the cities of Galway in Ireland and Istanbul and Trabzon in Turkey. They will join other cities working toward the common goal of striving for health and healthy equity in all local policies.
Turkey “translated into action” Tallinn Charter on Health Systems 12-05-2011
In recent years, Turkey’s national health service has undergone major reforms, yielding significant improvements in utilization, effectiveness and health outcomes. Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has identified Turkey as a successful example of a country implementing the values and principles of the Tallinn Charter.
87 cities now designated in Phase V of Healthy Cities 09-05-2011
Congratulations to the cities of Dimitrovgrad and Velikiy Ustyug in Russia and Yalova in Turkey. They have been designated in Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and will join other cities working toward the common goal of striving for health and healthy equity in all local policies.
One road death affects thousands: road safety project in Turkey 04-05-2011
The road safety awareness campaign, "One road death affects thousands" was launched at an event on 2 May 2011 in Afyonkarahisar.
Continued fall in malaria cases across Europe 29-04-2011
Substantial progress towards eliminating malaria has been made across the WHO European Region. On 25 April 2011, World Malaria Day, the countries that remain affected reaffirmed their commitment to elimination, as agreed in the Tashkent Declaration: “The Move from Malaria Control to Elimination”.
Turkey launches health promotion activities and efforts for communication to the public 14-04-2011
On 11-13 April 2011 the Health Promotion Department of the Ministry of Health in Turkey organized an international symposium on health promotion and communication. The aim was to share knowledge and information and contribute to health promotion studies in Turkey devoted to raising awareness among population through media campaigns on healthy behavior.
Measles outbreaks across Europe show no sign of slowing 12-04-2011
Countries in the WHO European Region continue to battle large measles outbreaks that are spreading between countries and to other regions of the world. To date, 24 countries in the Region have reported measles cases in 2011.
Turkey focuses on combating women’s cancer 05-04-2011
Despite Turkey having one of the lowest incidences of registered cancer cases in the European region, both cervical and breast cancer have increased over the past 5 years. On 3 April 2011, the Cancer Department of the Ministry of Health in Turkey organized an International Symposium to launch “Cancer week 1-7 April 2011”. The Minister of Health of Turkey launched the event emphasizing that 2011 will be dedicated to women’s cancer.
4 countries release data on exposure to second-hand smoke 05-01-2011
Key findings of tobacco surveys in Poland, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine show that non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke is alarmingly high in the hospitality sector, workplace and home.
Regional Director speaks at opening of Medipol University, Turkey 18-10-2010
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke today at the opening of Medipol University in Istanbul, Turkey. She explained how WHO/Europe assists Member States to address the challenges faced by their national health systems.
Road safety project in Turkey 24-08-2010
WHO/Europe, under its biennial collaborative agreement 2010–2011 with the Government of Turkey, has initiated a road safety project jointly with the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with five other international partners in a road-safety consortium.
Tobacco use among adults: new report launched 20-07-2010
During an official visit to Turkey, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, launched the latest report on tobacco use among adults in Europe, and recognized the major contribution of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to controlling tobacco use in the country.
Prime Minister of Turkey receives award for tobacco control efforts 19-07-2010
Today, the WHO Regional Director for Europe presented the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for Contribution to Global Tobacco Control to the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Award recognizes the Prime Minister's strong and continuous leadership in tobacco control and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and smoke-free environments in Turkey.
Turkish Prime Minister nominated for World No Tobacco Day 2010 Award 28-05-2010
Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General has nominated the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for the World No Tobacco Day 2010 Award for his dedicated leadership on tobacco control in Turkey.
Challenges and opportunities for a tobacco-free Turkey 30-04-2010
On 11–12 February 2010, WHO, representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority and the government officials organized a two-day event and press conference to present the preliminary findings of the WHO report on “Economics of tobacco control and taxation. Challenges and opportunities for a tobacco-free Turkey”.
Global tobacco epidemic 15-12-2009
On 9 December 2009, the “WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2009” was launched.