Turkmenistan is collaborating with the WHO to enhance its tuberculosis control efforts through a new National Strategic Plan following a review of the National TB Control Programme. Key discussions have identified priority areas and strategic directions towards achieving a TB-Free Central Asia by 2030, emphasizing a commitment to reducing TB prevalence in the region.
On March 14, 2025, Turkmenistan announced significant advancements in addressing tuberculosis (TB) through collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). A technical advisory team from WHO/Europe, led by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev and Dr. Mikhail Volik, visited Ashgabat from February 24 to 28, 2025. The team’s primary focus was to evaluate the National TB Control Programme (NTP) for 2021–2025 and to lay the foundation for a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2026–2030, following a thorough review conducted in 2024.
Dr. Yedilbayev remarked on the review’s significance, stating, “A comprehensive review of Turkmenistan’s National TB Control Programme… has made it possible to assess progress towards achieving national goals.” This review will support the development of the NSP, which aims to establish key directions and targets by 2030, aligning with regional objectives to reduce TB prevalence.
During the meeting that showcased the review’s findings, Dr. Yedilbayev outlined priority areas for the new NSP, reinforcing Turkmenistan’s commitment to achieving a TB-Free Central Asia, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe. The session included notable figures from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, State Medical University, and various health institutions, highlighting a collective approach to tackling TB.
A pivotal part of the WHO/Europe team’s visit involved discussions with Dr. Myrat Mammedov, the Minister of Health. They deliberated on prospects for Turkmenistan to share its TB control successes with other nations in the WHO European Region, aiding the global ambition to eradicate the TB epidemic by 2030. The team also assessed the progress of the current NTP and discussed strategic directions and activities for the forthcoming plan.
The WHO/Europe mission’s main objective was to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacity to combat TB. Continued collaboration between WHO and the Government of Turkmenistan aims to significantly lessen the burden of TB within the region, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health initiatives.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan is taking solid measures to enhance its tuberculosis control efforts in collaboration with the WHO. The review of the National TB Control Programme has set a foundation for future strategies aimed at achieving a TB-Free Central Asia by 2030. Ongoing discussions and assessments underscore the nation’s commitment to improving public health outcomes and sharing successful practices with neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.who.int
