Turkey's First Lady & WHO Meet on Health & Alternative Medicine

Turkish First Lady Hosts WHO Delegation in Ankara, Discusses Global Health and Alternative Medicine

Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan met with a high-level delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The delegation included WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge and the organization’s Türkiye representative Tasnim Atatrah. Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu also participated in the meeting.

Focus on Alternative Medicine Leadership

The discussions focused on Türkiye’s prominent role in Europe regarding knowledge and experience in alternative medicine, encompassing traditional, complementary, and integrative medical approaches.

Kluge praised Türkiye for its leadership in promoting health innovation and acknowledged its pioneering humanitarian role, particularly its efforts supporting Gaza.

Key Discussion Areas

The meeting covered several critical health initiatives:

• Alternative Medicine Expertise: Türkiye's leadership in traditional and complementary medical approaches
• Child and Adolescent Health: Joint initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes for younger populations
• Climate and Health Integration: Connecting health topics with global climate discussions at COP31
• Humanitarian Leadership: Recognition of Türkiye's efforts in supporting Gaza and other regions

Strategic Health Partnerships

The meeting also emphasized the importance of child and adolescent health, with Kluge calling for joint initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes for younger populations.

In addition, Türkiye’s upcoming hosting of COP31 was highlighted, with proposals to integrate health and sustainability topics into global climate discussions.

Strengthening International Cooperation

Emine Erdoğan described the meeting as "productive," noting that it addressed pressing issues on the global health agenda and strengthened cooperation between Türkiye and WHO.

The discussions underscore Türkiye’s growing influence in shaping health policies and promoting sustainable medical practices at both regional and international levels.