A seminar marking World Tuberculosis Day was held at the UN building in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) country office in Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal.

Participants discussed the progress made and opportunities to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis in the country and the region in line with the 2030 targets.

The seminar was held in a hybrid format with the participation of WHO experts, national health specialists and international partners. The first session addressed WHO’s strategic priorities in the fight against tuberculosis and other infectious diseases in the European Region and Central Asia, including the implementation of the Action Plan to Combat Tuberculosis for 2023–2030 and the regional initiative ‘Tuberculosis-Free Central Asia’. Turkmenistan’s transition to the National Tuberculosis Control Strategy for 2026–2030 was also discussed.

The second session focused on the country’s progress towards achieving regional targets for combating infectious diseases. Participants examined innovative methods for the early detection of tuberculosis, the development of new vaccines, and Turkmenistan’s experience in research into the combined treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and hepatitis C. The country’s achievements in combating hepatitis B and its contribution to the implementation of global strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections were highlighted separately.

The third session focused on the role of international and non-governmental organisations in implementing the National Tuberculosis Control Programme for 2026–2030. Representatives from the WHO, UNDP, UNFPA and the Turkmenistan National Red Crescent Society presented current initiatives and opportunities for further partnership.

In conclusion, participants discussed further steps to strengthen the fight against tuberculosis and other infectious diseases in Turkmenistan and the region. World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise awareness of the disease and mobilise efforts to end the epidemic.