Turkmenistan and WHO Collaborate on New National Strategic Plan for TB Control
Turkmenistan, with support from WHO/Europe, is advancing its tuberculosis control efforts by reviewing the National TB Control Programme and developing a new National Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The initiative aims to align national health goals with regional targets and strengthen the country’s capacity in combating TB, contributing to a broader regional strategy for a TB-free environment.
Turkmenistan is actively enhancing its tuberculosis (TB) control measures amidst ongoing global health challenges posed by the disease. A technical advisory team from WHO/Europe, led by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev and Dr. Mikhail Volik, visited Ashgabat from February 24 to 28, 2025, to review the National TB Control Programme (NTP) for 2021-2025. This visit established a foundation for a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Control spanning 2026-2030, based on a comprehensive review conducted in 2024.
Dr. Yedilbayev noted, “A comprehensive review of Turkmenistan’s National TB Control Programme…has made it possible to assess progress towards achieving national goals that align with regional targets for reducing the burden of TB.” This review will inform the NSP, designed to establish new strategic directions and targets for the upcoming years.
The findings of the NTP review were shared with a gathering of officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and representatives from various medical institutions. Dr. Yedilbayev emphasized the importance of the initiative “TB-Free Central Asia,” overseen by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, showcasing Turkmenistan’s commitment to regional health initiatives.
During the WHO/Europe team’s visit, meetings included discussions with Minister of Health Dr. Myrat Mammedov and other representatives of the health sector. The objective was not only to evaluate the current plan’s effectiveness but also to exchange vital TB control practices with other countries in the WHO European Region.
The WHO mission also assessed financing and technical support needs to inform the future NTP. The primary aim remains to bolster Turkmenistan’s capacity in combating TB, thereby contributing to the broader global initiative to eradicate TB by 2030. The partnership between WHO and the Government of Turkmenistan is pivotal as they continue to reduce the TB burden regionally.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan, in collaboration with WHO, is making significant strides in its fight against tuberculosis. The establishment of a new National Strategic Plan for TB Control is a vital step toward enhancing national capacities and aligning with global health goals. Through thorough evaluations and strategic planning, Turkmenistan is positioned to share its best practices within the WHO European Region, aiming to contribute to the global objective of eradicating TB by 2030.
Original Source: www.who.int
