A programme of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, established to accelerate progress on health-related Sustainable Development Goals across eight emerging economies.
The Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation is one of the foremost multilateral platforms for development partnership, representing an alliance of eight emerging economies: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye.
Together the bloc is home to approximately 1.1 billion people — about 13% of the world’s population — across 7.6 million square kilometers of land. Inaugurated in 1997, the D-8 set out to improve Member States’ position in the global economy, diversify trade relations, and improve standards of living. In 2018, following the 41st Council Meeting, the D-8 established the Health & Social Protection Programme (HSP) to bring the same ambition to health and human capital development.
Citizens represented across the D-8 bloc
Of the world’s Muslim population lives within D-8 countries
D-8 Member Countries face health system and market failures that undermine the quality, access and affordability of health care — particularly for the poor and vulnerable. Good health is a precursor to socio-economic prosperity, yet public health financing across the bloc averages just 3.5% of GDP.
Evidence shows a one-year increase in life expectancy can raise a country’s GDP by roughly 4%.
Safe, affordable and equitable access to health care and social protection is a fundamental right, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
D-8 Member Countries have committed to SDG 3 targets, including Universal Health Coverage and financial risk protection for all citizens.
Soliciting commitment from Member States and key influencers to sustain investment in health and social welfare.
Building an evidence base with a strong results framework demonstrating cost savings and impact gained.
Ensuring alignment across Member States to guarantee universal access to health and social protection.
Focusing on initiatives that build local capacities and cross-country transfer of learnings.
All HSP interventions are anchored on seven strategic pillars adopted at the 2019 Consultative Meeting in Abuja. Our current five-year plan focuses on the first three as cross-cutting priorities.
Corporate shared value, social investment boards, Zakat and Takaful, and solidarity board financing for health.
Strengthening the health care value chain, public-private partnership and medical manufacturing across Member States.
Information technology for data access, innovation transfer hubs, and knowledge sharing.
Early childhood development, elderly care, youth empowerment, disability care and gender equality.
Primary health care strengthening, health security, medical supplies, insurance and health promotion.
Health promotion, medical diagnostics and screening, environmental management and palliative care.
Human resources for health, clinical governance, community engagement, results and accountability.
“Improving the health and living standards of all citizens of D-8 countries is paramount to us and requires buy-in and commitment of government of D-8 countries to steer key reforms. We are optimistic that our activities and approach will have an impact and enable D-8 citizens to achieve their full economic potential within their lifetime.”
Dr. Ado J.G. Muhammad, OON
Global Director, D-8 HSP
Estimated five-year (2021–2025) programme budget
Core Sustainable Development Goals we accelerate
