On May 22, 2026, the 60th plenary session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly was held in Saint Petersburg. One of the key topics on the agenda was the Year of Health Protection in the CIS.
The plenary session brought together parliamentary delegations of the Commonwealth countries, representatives of partner international organizations, and experts. The CIS Executive Committee was represented by CIS Deputy Secretary-General Nurlan Seitimov.
In his address, Nurlan Seitimov noted that in 2026 the Commonwealth of Independent States celebrates the 35th anniversary. This anniversary year has been declared the Year of Health Protection in the CIS. Over the years, cooperation in the field of health protection has proved to be one of the most humane and effective bridges of cooperation among states.
“The key role of healthcare in the Commonwealth is to ensure sanitary and epidemiological well-being, reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases, improve access to primary healthcare, and guarantee equal rights of citizens to quality medical treatment in the Commonwealth countries,” Nurlan Seitimov emphasized.
The unquestionable priority is the formation of a common health space within the CIS, with a focus on deep harmonization of national legislation and the establishment of transparent mechanisms that will facilitate the seamless introduction of best medical practices and treatment protocols across the Commonwealth.
“In the space we aspire to build, human health is not merely the absence of disease, but a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable economic growth, social stability, and demographic prosperity in our countries. A healthy society means a strong economy and a confident future for the entire Commonwealth,” the CIS Deputy Secretary-General noted.