Turkey Develops Rabies & Monkeypox Vaccines, 13 More

Türkiye Reports Major Progress in Vaccine Development, Health Minister Announces

ANKARA, Nov. 21, 2025 — Türkiye is making "significant progress" in developing key vaccines, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu told lawmakers during a presentation of the ministry's 2026 budget to the parliament's planning committee.

Vaccine Development Milestones

According to Memişoğlu, preclinical studies for rabies and monkeypox vaccines have been successfully completed.

Research is also underway on 13 other vaccines, including those targeting:

• hepatitis A
• tuberculosis
• pneumococcal infections

These efforts are part of the country's strategic goal to establish a self-sufficient health ecosystem, with expanded domestic production in medicines, medical devices, and biotechnology.

2026 Health Priorities

The minister outlined broader health priorities for 2026. These include:

• Strengthening family medicine and primary healthcare services
• Promoting physical activity, and addressing obesity and unhealthy diets
• Additional measures will focus on reducing tobacco use and combating addiction

Türkiye is also moving to the second phase of its normal birth action plan , aimed at lowering rates of non-medically necessary cesarean deliveries.

Infrastructure and Prevention

In addition, Memişoğlu highlighted plans to:

• Expand health literacy programs
• Improve the technical infrastructure supporting cancer screening and diagnostic services

These initiatives aim to enhance preventive healthcare nationwide.

These initiatives signal Türkiye's commitment to both modernizing its healthcare system and increasing self-reliance in medical research and production, while promoting healthier lifestyles for its population.