WHO (GNP): The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, in collaboration with the Government of Türkiye, is hosting the WHO Ministerial Conference for Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management on 1–2 July 2026 in Istanbul, which aims to bringing together health leaders, emergency response experts, government representatives, and international partners to make the stronger preparation and resilience against earthquake related health emergencies.
The conference highlights the growing need for coordinated action to protect public health from the devastating impacts of natural hazards, like earthquakes. These disasters can cause significant loss of life, damage important infrastructure, disrupt health services, and place immense pressure on communities and health systems.The event draws attention to the lessons learned from the catastrophic earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria in February 2023.
The disaster underscored the importance of preparedness, rapid response mechanisms, resilient health systems, and international cooperation in managing these type emergencies. The conference seeks to build upon these experiences by encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among countries facing similar risks.
Over the course of two days, participants will discuss strategies to improve earthquake emergency management and make the stronger health security. The conference will begin with a technical session on 1 July, where experts will examine best practices, innovative approaches, and WHO guidance related to disaster preparedness and response. Discussions will focus on reducing health risks, protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring continuity of healthcare services, and enhancing recovery efforts following earthquakes.
The ministerial session on 2 July will bring together ministers of health and senior government officials from different WHO regions. During this gathering, participants will reaffirm their commitment to advancing earthquake health emergency management and strengthening national capacities to respond effectively to future disasters.The conference aims to increase awareness of the health consequences associated with earthquakes and also promoting stronger preparation measures before disasters occur.
It also seeks to increase the response mechanisms and management systems during emergencies and support the recovery and resilience efforts after an earthquake has taken place.Approximately 250 participants are expected to attend the event, including representatives from WHO, national governments, emergency response agencies, academic institutions, and partner organizations. Their participation shows a shared commitment to prevention public health and improving emergency preparedness at both national and international levels.Through interactive discussions and expert led sessions, attendees will exchange experiences, identify challenges, and explore practical solutions for improving disaster risk management.
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The conference will also provide an opportunity to review WHO tools and also designed to support countries in strengthening their health emergency systems and reducing the impact of natural disasters on communities.As climate related risks and natural hazards continue to challenge countries worldwide, building resilient health systems has become an increasingly important priority.
Effective earthquake emergency management not only saves lives during crises but also contributes to sustainable recovery and stronger healthcare infrastructure for the future.By convening health leaders and experts from across multiple regions, the WHO Ministerial Conference aims to foster international cooperation, encourage policy development, and strengthen collective action to address earthquake related health threats.
The event serves as an important platform for advancing health security and ensuring that communities are better protected before, during, and after earthquakes.
