On 18 February 2025, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Merey Mukazhan held a meeting in Istanbul with delegations from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, headed by Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Country Health Policies and Systems and Yasin Akar, Director General of Ministry of Family and Social Services to address key health issues in the region.

During the meeting, the Deputy Secretary General reaffirmed its commitment to deepen cooperation with WHO to address pressing health challenges and improve health services across the region.

The parties discussed key areas of cooperation ahead of the 5thMeeting of Health Ministers of the OTS, to be held in Astana on 8 April 2025. Discussions focused on joint efforts to promote healthy ageing and improve child health, among other health initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the region.

Through its partnership with WHO, the OTS aims to improve health outcomes and ensure equitable access to essential healthcare services for all individuals across the region.