On 19 August, a three-day training course entitled ‘Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare’ began in Ashgabat for 30 leading medical specialists from all regions of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), according to the news website Turkmenportal.

Participants in the training include chief general practitioners, obstetricians and gynaecologists, and specialists in reproductive health and family medicine from five velayats, Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag.

The training aims to develop skills in applying gender-sensitive and rights-based approaches when providing healthcare. Participants are learning methods of gender-sensitive communication, reducing stigma and discrimination, and ensuring equal access to high-quality healthcare services.

The training is being conducted as part of a joint initiative between UNDP and UNFPA to support inclusive and people-centred healthcare services. The programme has been developed in line with the recommendations of the 2024 assessment of community participation, human rights and gender aspects in the context of tuberculosis in Turkmenistan.

The initiative also provides support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in strengthening the national health system.