Proceedings of the 13th Meeting of the
COMCEC Poverty Alleviation Working Group
20
In his presentation Dr. ŞİMŞEK, mentioned about the experiences and achievements accrued by
YYD in projects ranging from organizing voluntary medical teams (VMT) establishing medical
training programs (MTP) in member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Mr. ŞİMŞEK summarized the most recent projects and cases of Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine and
Chad.
Dr. ŞİMŞEK expressed that in low income countries where natural disasters and humanitarian crisis
is evident, initially basic primary healthcare services (PHC) should be established and secondary
healthcare services should be empowered via MTPs. He also emphasized the importance of
involvement of local partners, because by giving services with or via local partners and transferring
established value chain to local partners, effected communities are socio-economically empowered.
Dr. ŞİMŞEK lastly expressed the importance of the integration of activities with local shareholders
of the project while maintaining global standard of humanitarian aid act. He cited that
communication and coordination of shareholders is vital for efficient mobilization humanitarian
resources. He also added dilemma of continuity and sustainability must be evaluated with respect
to available resources. Also it is emphasized that simpler approaches for humanitarian planning
must be adopted. Lastly, he stated that health should be viewed as the component of social culture.
8. Closing Remarks
The Meeting ended with closing remarks of Mr. Andi Zainal Abidin DULONG, Chairman of the
Meeting and Mr. Burak KARAGÖL, Director at the COMCEC Coordination Office (CCO).
Mr. DULONG thanked all the member country representatives as well as participants from WHO,
SESRIC and Doctors Worldwide for their active participation and valuable contributions.
Mr. KARAGÖL also thanked all delegates for their attendance and valuable contributions. He
expressed that the main outcome of the meeting is the policy recommendations for the member
countries. He stated that these recommendations will be submitted to the 35th Session of the
COMCEC as an output of the 13th Meeting of the Poverty Alleviation Working Group.
Furthermore, Mr. KARAGÖL informed the participants that the 14th Meeting of the COMCEC Poverty
Alleviation Working Group will be held on September 26 th, 2019 in Ankara with the theme of “Child
and Maternal Mortality in the Islamic Countries”. He stated that as per the usual practice a research
report will be prepared on the theme of the Meeting and shared with the focal points in advance of
the meeting.