The Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient, inclusive and future-ready health systems, as the world marked World Health Day 2026 with a renewed focus on scientific collaboration and international cooperation.
D-8 reaffirms commitment to resilient health systems on World Health Day
ISLAMABAD, Apr 07 (APP): The Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient, inclusive and future-ready health systems, as the world marked World Health Day 2026 with a renewed focus on scientific collaboration and international cooperation.
In a message issued on the occasion, the D-8 underscored that health remained one of the most strategic investments a nation could make to ensure a safer and healthier future for its people.
Referring to this year’s theme announced by the World Health Organization — “Together for health. Stand with science” — the organization highlighted the importance of harnessing scientific advancements and multilateral cooperation to safeguard the health of humans, animals, plants and the planet.
The D-8 noted that the theme reflected a comprehensive and forward-looking approach, emphasizing the role of science-driven solutions in addressing global health challenges.
The organization said that its collective journey in the health sector had gained momentum in recent years, particularly after the launch of the Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP) during the Abuja summit in 2019. The programme, built on seven strategic pillars ranging from primary healthcare to innovative financing, had laid a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation among member states.
It further highlighted that collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank in 2022 had opened new avenues, including the first D-8 Forum on SMEs and Health Markets, which facilitated opportunities in therapeutic goods and strengthened public-private partnerships.
A major milestone was achieved in November 2025 in Cairo, where D-8 Health Ministers convened for the first time, adopting a landmark declaration and establishing a permanent Health Working Group to institutionalize long-term cooperation in the sector.
The D-8 emphasized that the ministers had reaffirmed a shared vision for a healthier, fairer and more resilient future, pledging to translate commitments into concrete actions guided by the principles of solidarity, innovation and equity.
With a combined population exceeding 1.2 billion, the organization stressed the urgency of strengthening healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging challenges while ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
The organization reiterated its resolve to move forward collectively, leveraging science, solidarity and international cooperation to advance sustainable health outcomes across member states.
The D-8 consist of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye. The D-8 Secretariat is located in Istanbul and is headed by Secretary General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood.
