On April 28, 2025, the Eighth Meeting of Ministers of Health of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in Xi'an. The event was attended by heads of relevant agencies of the member states, representatives of dialogue partners, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The heads of delegations exchanged views on current issues of healthcare development in the SCO aria. Special attention was paid to improving emergency medical care and disaster medicine systems, primary healthcare, introducing digital solutions and technologies into the healthcare sector, as well as promoting traditional and complementary medicine, taking into account the national experience of the member states.
The SCO Secretary-General, speaking at the meeting, emphasized the special importance of healthcare as an integral part of sustainable development. He noted that ensuring public health is directly related to the quality of life and the sustainability of socio-economic systems. In this regard, increasing the effectiveness of sectorial meetings within the SCO as an effective mechanism for forming coordinated approaches and practical solutions on key cooperation issues is of particular importance.
The results of the meeting confirmed the general commitment of the member states to strengthening partnership in the field of health protection, exchanging best practices, and implementing initiatives aimed at increasing the resilience of national healthcare systems and improving the well-being of the region's population.