Turkey leads world in global health response amid virus

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will get through the coronavirus crisis much better than most countries, leading the world in global public health response, the country’s communications director said on Wednesday.

“Thanks to the decisive leadership of our President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan from day one, Turkey has handled the coronavirus crisis in an exemplary manner. While the world has come under immense pressure by this unprecedented threat, decades-long healthcare investments are paying off,” Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter.

The government takes care of its citizens by mobilizing the healthcare system and supporting healthcare workers, he said, adding that Turkey treats all coronavirus patients free of charge.

Under the guidance of Erdogan, Turkey will get through this crisis much better than most countries, he said.

“Thanks to the generosity and common sense of our people, we will not only overcome this challenge but lead the world in global public health response,” he said, reiterating that Turkey continues to lead the world in humanitarian and development help during the epidemic.

“Turkey has gone over and beyond in its efforts to lead a global diplomatic push and help countries in need around the world,” Altun added.

Referring to the country’s economic measures, he said the Finance Ministry took necessary steps to support small and medium businesses while providing stability in the financial markets.

Turkey unveiled a relief package worth 100 billion Turkish liras ($15.4 billion) to limit the economic fallout from coronavirus earlier in March.

The country confirmed 1,403 deaths from coronavirus so far, while the total number of registered coronavirus cases surpassed 65,100.

After originating in Wuhan, China last December, the virus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions across the world, with Europe and the U.S. now being the worst-hit regions.

Globally, the virus has infected more than 1.99 million patients and has so far claimed over 127,500 lives, according to figures compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. More than 500,00 people have recovered.