WHO Europe honors Türkiye's Gaza medical evacuations and health reforms

Türkiye's extensive humanitarian efforts for Palestinians and its successful medical evacuations from Gaza received prestigious recognition from the World Health Organization's European region . The award was presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, during the 11th Turkish Medical World Congress in Ankara . This accolade highlights Türkiye's growing role as a key provider of humanitarian health diplomacy on the global stage.

A Critique of Global Silence on Gaza

During his acceptance speech, President Erdoğan strongly condemned the international community's prolonged silence on the devastation in Gaza . He pointed to the bombing of hospitals and the deaths of patients, health workers, and infants as tragedies the world has watched passively . "It will certainly not be easy for the world to move from a reality where, for two full years, it remained a spectator," Erdoğan stated, framing the award as a motivation to continue working toward a world that collectively values saving every human life .

Foundation of a Robust Domestic Health System

The capacity to extend such international humanitarian support is built upon two decades of profound investment in Türkiye's own health infrastructure. President Erdoğan detailed a nationwide transformation, turning the system into a widespread, high-quality, and affordable network . He reported that the health workforce has grown by 288% since 2002, with nearly 100,000 new staff, including over 57,000 physicians, recruited in the last year and a half alone . Furthermore, 80% of public hospitals have been renewed or rebuilt, significantly increasing both general and qualified bed capacity across the country and in earthquake-affected provinces .

Vision for the Future of Health in Türkiye

Looking ahead, President Erdoğan emphasized the nation's ambition to achieve similar advancements in health technologies and innovation, drawing a parallel to successes in the defense industry . He reiterated Türkiye's commitment to supporting all realistic and innovative efforts that propel its healthcare goals forward. Communications Director Burhanettin Duran noted that the award is a testament to a foreign policy shaped by the President's vision, where leadership ensures the continuation of aid and gives voice to the oppressed on international platforms .