Minister of Health Memişoğlu spoke at the UN: The humanitarian drama in Gaza drew attention

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu spoke at the 'High Level Meeting on Preparedness for Pandemics' held within the scope of the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York, USA. Minister Memişoğlu, who gave messages about the great destruction in Gaza, global health security and international cooperation against pandemics, devoted the majority of his speech to the health crisis in Gaza. Drawing attention to the humanitarian drama in Gaza, Memişoğlu said, "Today, we are faced with grave scenes in Gaza where women and children are brutally killed and innocent people cannot even access a vaccine or a basic medicine."

Emphasizing that health is one of the most fundamental rights, such as the right to life, Minister Memişoğlu stated that global health security cannot be talked about in a world where people cannot access treatment and that injustices in access to health services must be eliminated. Pointing out the devastating effects of war and conflicts on health systems, Memişoğlu continued his words as follows:

"We defend the 'right to life', where all people can access health under equal conditions. We never accept this order of oppression built with the logic of evil, where wars are fueled, brother is made to suffer against brother, and profit is made from the suffering of innocents. A more just order is only possible by providing health services and technologies for the benefit of all humanity."

Referring to Turkey's struggle during the Covid-19 pandemic and the experiences gained during this period from the UN rostrum, Minister Memişoğlu shared the gains with the international public. Memişoğlu said, "As Türkiye, we successfully managed our health system during the Covid-19 process. With our strong health infrastructure, we did not leave any of our citizens, young or old, untreated."

Stating that Turkey transformed its own experience and opportunities into international solidarity during the pandemic period, Minister Memişoğlu emphasized that support was also provided to countries in need. Noting that pandemics show that global health security is a common responsibility, Memişoğlu evaluated: "We can only overcome these tests that countries cannot overcome alone, by acting together."