Turkmenistan and WHO Collaborate on New National TB Control Strategy
Turkmenistan aims to combat tuberculosis by developing a National Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, following a review of its National TB Control Programme. A WHO/Europe team, led by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev, highlighted the country’s commitment and prioritized areas for combating TB. Collaborative efforts will focus on sharing best practices and securing necessary support for effective implementation.
Turkmenistan is intensifying its efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB), which remains a significant public health challenge. On February 24-28, 2025, a WHO/Europe technical advisory team visited Ashgabat, headed by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev, WHO/Europe Regional Advisor for TB. The team presented findings from the 2024 review of the National TB Control Programme (NTP) for 2021-2025 and initiated preparations for a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Control covering 2026-2030.
The comprehensive NTP review was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, assessing alignment with national and regional TB reduction targets. Dr. Yedilbayev stated, “The results of the review will form the basis for the development of the National Strategic Plan of Turkmenistan on TB Control for 2026–2030, which will define key directions and new targets for 2030.”
The findings of the NTP review were presented at a meeting that included stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, State Medical University, and the National Red Crescent Society. Dr. Yedilbayev emphasized the country’s commitment to the TB-Free Central Asia initiative led by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Key discussions included a meeting with Dr. Myrat Mammedov, Minister of Health, and were facilitated by Dr. Egor Zaitsev, WHO Representative in Turkmenistan. Plans to share Turkmenistan’s TB control best practices with other WHO European Region countries were explored, in line with the global goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
The mission team and NTP representatives reviewed the progress of the existing plan and delineated strategic directions and targets for 2026-2030. A preliminary assessment was conducted to identify financing and technical support needs, crucial for drafting an action plan for the NTP. The WHO/Europe mission aimed to bolster Turkmenistan’s TB control capacity, with ongoing collaboration between WHO and the Turkmen government to reduce TB incidence in the region.
Turkmenistan is actively working towards enhancing its TB control strategy through a new National Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. By reviewing its current National TB Control Programme and engaging with WHO experts and various stakeholders, the country aims to align with both national and international TB reduction goals, ultimately contributing to a TB-free Central Asia by 2030.
Original Source: www.who.int
