President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in connection with the crash of the ‘Angara’ Airlines plane, which took many lives. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed words of support and sympathy to the families of the victims on behalf of the people and government of Turkmenistan and on his own behalf.
The Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan hosted a scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the State Programme ‘Saglyk’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of medical institutions from the cities of Ashgabat, Arkadag and the country's velayats, as well as teachers and students of the Myrat Garryev State Medical University. An exhibition was organised as part of the event, showcasing medical equipment, medicinal plant products and achievements in the field of healthcare. The conference discussed the successes of the ‘Saglyk’ programme, the strengthening of the material and technical base of medical institutions and the improvement of the quality of medical services. The conference reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Participants were presented with gifts, and the results of ‘The Best Hospital’ competition were announced. Similar events were held throughout the country, highlighting the importance of the ‘Saglyk’ programme for the national healthcare system.
A meeting was held at the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The meeting discussed the significance of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the ‘Saglyk’ (‘Health’) State Programme and the 4th anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. Following the meeting, a Cooperation Agreement was signed between the foundation and the ministry. It was noted that over the 30 years of implementation of the ‘Saglyk’ programme, developed on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's healthcare system has been significantly modernised: modern methods of treatment, technologies and WHO standards are being introduced. The role of the fund in providing medical care to children in need of care, including surgery and rehabilitation, was also emphasised. The new stage of cooperation will contribute to the further development of the healthcare system in the spirit of humanism and modern requirements.
From 24 June to 11 July, UNICEF conducted training sessions in Ashgabat and all velayats of Turkmenistan aimed at promoting respectful and non-discriminatory terminology in the field of mental health. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The events were part of a regional project to reduce stigma surrounding mental disorders, implemented in Central Asian countries and Belarus. More than 200 healthcare workers took part in the training. The training helped them better understand how language affects perceptions of mental health and patient trust. Participants analysed stigmatising expressions, developed alternative wording, role-played situations and discussed methods for effective communication with patients and communities. Promoting inclusive language is an important step towards creating a more empathetic and accessible mental health care system. UNICEF will continue to support Turkmenistan's efforts in this area, with a particular focus on children, adolescents and vulnerable groups.
A large-scale international event entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ will be held at the Exhibition Centre of the Ashgabat Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 10 to 12 October. The event is organised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Turkish company ‘Net Fuar Organizasyon’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will showcase modern medical equipment, diagnostic technology, innovative developments from clinical centres, and the latest technologies in the fields of education and sport. Relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, foreign companies and members of the country's Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs have confirmed their participation. A scientific conference will be held in parallel with the exhibition, where topical issues of healthcare, education and the sports industry will be discussed. The event will be an important platform for demonstrating Turkmenistan's achievements and strengthening international cooperation in these key social areas.
An online training course organised by the World Health Organisation's country office was held in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was attended by 15 representatives of the country's Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The main objective of the training was to strengthen national capacity in the development of clinical guidelines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) based on evidence-based medicine. The training was held virtually from the UN building in Ashgabat and focused on clinical protocols, quality assurance in healthcare and NCD treatment methodologies. This was an important step towards the creation of sustainable health systems based on scientifically sound approaches. The training was organised as part of the project ‘Procurement of Medicines and Health Products for the Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) in Turkmenistan through UNDP’.
A working meeting with representatives of the Swiss pharmaceutical company La Roche was held at the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The focus of the discussion was on the further development of programmes to provide medical support to children with rare diseases such as haemophilia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). During the meeting, issues related to long-term therapy provision, training of Turkmen specialists and the transfer of diagnostic materials were discussed. Roche confirmed its readiness to continue consistent cooperation with Turkmenistan in this area.
A technical advisory mission led by experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and organised by the WHO Country Office took place in Turkmenistan from 27 to 29 June. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. WHO experts supported the country's efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD and bronchial asthma. During the visit, strategic meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Health to discuss achievements and experiences in implementing relevant programmes. The experts also visited health facilities involved in the pilot implementation of clinical pathways for patients, from prevention to palliative care. On 28 June, a seminar on improving approaches to the treatment of COPD and asthma was held in Ashgabat, with a focus on evidence-based methods and an interdisciplinary approach. In addition, experts helped to adapt national clinical protocols to international standards and principles of evidence-based medicine.
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie Amde has received an invitation from Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which will be held in August in Avaza. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The invitation was handed over by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, during a meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Jemal Becker Abdullah. The Ethiopian side expressed interest in high-level participation and noted Turkmenistan's neutral and peaceful policy. Issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda were also discussed, according to the Turkmen embassy's statement.
The biotechnology laboratory at the International Scientific-Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has successfully completed research into the extraction of the bioflavonoid resveratrol from the red grape variety ‘Late Vavilov’. Scientists have developed a technology for extracting this valuable antioxidant from various parts of the grapevine, including the skin of the berries, shoots and seeds. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The State Intellectual Property Service of Turkmenistan has officially registered the copyright for this development. The researchers paid particular attention to the ‘Late Vavilov’ variety, which was bred by Turkmen breeders in the 1970s and has unique characteristics. Resveratrol is a powerful natural antioxidant with proven effectiveness in strengthening the cardiovascular system, protecting cells from ageing and preventing age-related changes. Its use is promising in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. As noted by Altyn Rahmanova, head of the biotechnology laboratory, this discovery is in line with the priorities of the ‘Strategy for the Development of the Science for 2024–2052’ and the state programme for the development of biotechnology. The development by Turkmen scientists opens up new opportunities for the creation of innovative medicines and cosmetics based on local plant raw materials.
Turkmen doctors have performed neurosurgery for the first time on one of their youngest patients diagnosed with occlusive hydrocephalus. The medical intervention was successful and made possible thanks to comprehensive support from the industry and initiatives by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. This was reported by IIC. The patient was a one-month-old baby from the Balkan velayat. After conducting a detailed examination and obtaining an interdisciplinary opinion, doctors decided on surgical treatment. The operation was performed at a national medical facility by Turkmen specialists and was completed without complications. As of today, the child's condition is stable: he is under observation, responding to his surroundings and showing positive signs of improvement. This case is a striking example of the introduction of advanced medical technologies and the development of expertise in the field of paediatric neurosurgery.
A coordination meeting dedicated to ensuring women's access to reproductive health services was held in Ashgabat under the auspices of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event brought together representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan and international organisations to develop effective solutions. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The main purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the resources available in reproductive health clinics in the capital and other regions of the country. Participants discussed ways to optimise the distribution of medical supplies and developed a procurement plan to provide women from at-risk groups with the necessary medicines and materials. The discussion was attended by specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as experts from UNFPA and the United Nations Development Programme. During the productive dialogue, data on current stocks of medical supplies and monthly requirements were analysed. UNFPA reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the Government of Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure that all women have access to reproductive health services.