Baku, Azerbaijan, 19 June 2026 – “Investing in Regional Health Security with Focus on Wastewater & Environmental Surveillance” was the title of a knowledge-sharing event held as part of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity.”

The event explored how wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) can strengthen regional health security, enhance early warning systems, and support coordinated responses to emerging public health threats.

Opening the event, H.E. Ebubekir Gizligider, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, highlighted the importance of strengthening surveillance systems and enhancing collaboration among countries to improve preparedness and resilience. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting a Regional WES Support Platform through training, technical assistance, and mentorship in partnership with the IsDB and Member Countries.

Participants also heard a recorded message from Dr. Chris Elias, President of the Global Development Division at the Gates Foundation, who underscored the role of wastewater and environmental surveillance in supporting evidence-based public health decision-making.

Moderated by Prof. Bilge Kocamemi, Advisor to the Turkish Water Institute, the session featured distinguished speakers from government institutions, international organizations, and development partners. Among them were Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean; Mr. Riad Akhundzada, Head of the Strategy, International Cooperation and Science Department, Azerbijan State Water Resources Agency; Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR; and Mr. James Carty, Deputy Director for Middle East and East Asia, Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation. Discussions focused on integrating wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) into national surveillance systems, strengthening cross-border early warning mechanisms, and ensuring that surveillance data is effectively translated into public health action.

Participants also examined key implementation requirements, including laboratory capacity, workforce development, digital data platforms, governance frameworks, and information-sharing mechanisms.

The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among governments, development institutions, technical partners, and international organizations to advance wastewater and environmental surveillance as a core component of regional health security. Mr. Nizar Zaied, Manager, Agriculture, Water Resources & Rural Development, IsDB, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to helping Member Countries strengthen health systems, work more closely together, and build greater resilience to future public health threats.

Hashtag: #2026IsDBGroupAMs