Health
Turkmenistan is represented at the Congress of Oncologists of Turkic States
11.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 2nd International Congress of Oncologists of Turkic States, which is being held from 8 to 11 April in Samarkand. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum has become a platform for exchanging experience and strengthening cooperation in the fields of oncology and radiology. Participants are discussing modern methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment, innovative technologies, as well as programmes for prevention and early detection of diseases. The programme includes plenary sessions, scientific sessions, discussions and practical workshops. In addition, a Forum for Young Oncologists was held as part of the congress, aimed at the training and professional development of junior specialists. Turkmen oncologists are actively participating in all key events, exchanging experiences and exploring new approaches in oncology.
Horseback riding as medicine: rehabilitation at the Arkadag Children's Center
09.04.2026In the city of Arkadag, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre actively employs modern health restoration methods, including regular sessions of hippotherapy. Horse riding therapy takes place in the indoor riding arena of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and combines physical rehabilitation with psychological support, reports IIC. The horse’s biorhythmic movements stimulate the nervous system, normalise muscle function, and develop coordination and balance. Interaction with the animals boosts the children’s confidence and aids their social adaptation. Ahal-Teke horses, known for their sensitivity and patience and traditionally regarded as a source of spiritual strength for the Turkmen people, are particularly valuable in this process. This method has seen significant development due to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The centre’s collaboration with the International Academy of Horse Breeding allows national traditions to be combined with modern medical approaches. Today, hippotherapy in the city of Arkadag is yielding noticeable results, supporting the health and well-being of children.
The ‘Ene mähri’ Medical Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary
07.04.2026The ‘Ene mähri’ International Medical Centre has celebrated its 20th anniversary. It was the country’s first specialist facility of its kind and is now one of the largest medical complexes in Central Asia providing support to mothers and children, according to the IIC. The centre was established to improve family health and provide high-tech medical care using modern digital and diagnostic technologies. It treats pregnant women with complications, performs complex obstetric and gynaecological operations, and cares for newborns with extremely low birth weight. The clinic offers programmes for the management of gestational diabetes, organ-preserving surgery for reproductive system disorders, and assisted reproductive technologies. The IVF and genetics laboratory is implementing a Turkmen-German project, including the detection of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities using FISH technology. Particular attention is paid to neonatal care: the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from leading global manufacturers for the care of premature babies weighing as little as 500 grams. The introduction of these technologies was carried out with the involvement of international specialists, including partners from Germany. To mark the anniversary, a scientific and practical conference was held with the participation of specialists from the capital’s and regional ‘Ene mähri’ centres, at which they discussed achievements, modern approaches in obstetrics, gynaecology and perinatology, as well as the prospects for high-tech care for mothers and children. Today, the centre continues to develop international cooperation, introduce new diagnostic and treatment methods, and expand the scope of specialised medical care.
Young people in Ashgabat took part in an event promoting a healthy lifestyle
05.04.2026A sports festival marking World Health Day was held at the Olympic Village in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport as part of the 2026–2027 work plan. This was reported by IIC. The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people, expand opportunities for girls in sport, and involve men in advancing gender equality. The programme comprised four sessions at different venues. Some participants attended educational sessions on equality, whilst others took part in masterclasses on self-defence and gymnastics. Girls learnt kickboxing and taekwondo, whilst boys practised stretching and gymnastics. This approach helped to reinforce the principles of mutual respect through sport and to demonstrate that physical activity is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. The event highlighted the importance of equal access to sporting and educational opportunities for young people.
A coordination meeting on the Pandemic Fund project took place in Ashgabat
30.03.2026On 27 March, a National Coordination Meeting was held in Ashgabat on the Pandemic Fund project ‘Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response’ as part of the ‘One Health’ approach in Central Asia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by the WHO, FAO and the World Bank in collaboration with national and regional partners. Representatives from relevant ministries, international organisations and development partners, including The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), took part in the meeting. Participants discussed achievements for 2024–2025, priorities for 2026, improved coordination and solutions to programme implementation challenges. A series of technical sessions facilitated the exchange of experiences and the development of comprehensive measures against health threats. During the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to cross-sectoral and intergovernmental cooperation, emphasising its importance in reducing the risks of future pandemics. Launched in 2024, the project covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and aims to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, workforce training and health system management within the framework of ‘One Health’.
Turkmenistan is preparing to celebrate World Health Day
22.03.2026Turkmenistan has organised a series of public events to mark World Health Day, which is celebrated on 7 April. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister B. Mammedov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to TDH. From 1 to 7 April, scientific and practical conferences, as well as educational, physical education and sports, health and cultural events, will take place in the country’s velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag. Schoolchildren, students, employees of institutions and enterprises, and athletes will take part in the competitions. Mass cycle rides and sporting events will also be organised. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of World Health Day for promoting the principles of an active lifestyle and the development of sport in society. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure that the events are organised to a high standard. World Health Day has been observed since 1950, marking the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The aim of the day is to remind people of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, give up harmful habits and engage in regular physical activity.
Ashgabat discusses strategy to eliminate tuberculosis by 2030
17.03.2026A 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.
Turkmenistan delegation participates in regional seminar in Astana
01.03.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in a regional seminar on combating gender-based violence in emergency situations, which was held from 25 to 27 February in Astana. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organised by UNFPA with the support of the British Government. The Turkmen delegation included specialists from the Ministries of Defence, Health and Medical Industry, Internal Affairs, as well as the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan. The aim of the event was to strengthen the readiness of state structures to respond to gender risks in crisis situations and to improve inter-agency coordination. Participants discussed the implementation of minimum protection standards, the development of a cluster approach, the creation of safe spaces for women and girls, and the provision of psychosocial support based on the principle of inclusiveness. Particular attention was paid to risk assessment, coordination of humanitarian action and the prevention of sexual exploitation in times of crisis. Experts emphasised the need to integrate these mechanisms into national preparedness and response plans. International expert Ana Araujo noted that effective referral systems for victims must be established in peacetime, as they provide rapid, safe and confidential support in emergency situations. At the end of the seminar, participants exchanged experiences with colleagues from Central Asian countries. The recommendations received will be used to improve national protocols for the protection of women's rights and safety in emergency situations.
Specialists from the Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan visited Slovenia
17.02.2026A delegation of specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan visited Ljubljana (Slovenia) to study the country's experience in the prevention and early diagnosis of cervical cancer. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The visit was organised with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Office in Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Regional Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention. The focus was on the national ZORA programme, recognised as one of the most effective screening models in Europe. Turkmen experts studied the organisation of population screening, the work of centralised registries and modern standards for cytopathology laboratories, as well as international protocols for the introduction of HPV testing. The knowledge gained will form the basis for the standardisation of national screening protocols and the strengthening of the women's health monitoring system in Turkmenistan.
A seminar on pregnancy and infections was held in Turkmenistan
06.02.2026From 2 to 4 February 2026, a three-day seminar on managing pregnancy in women with tuberculosis and coordinating work with the phthisiatria service was held at the UN building in Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and aimed to improve the qualifications of medical specialists and interdepartmental cooperation, according to TerraNews. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, employees of the M. Garryev State Medical University, obstetricians-gynaecologists, reproductive specialists and phthisiologists from Ashgabat, Arkadag and all velayats, as well as doctors from regional maternal and child health centres and health centres. Participants studied international protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in pregnant women, including childbirth management, the use of modern anti-tuberculosis drugs and breastfeeding rules. The development of clinical standards and coordination mechanisms between obstetric-gynaecological and phthisiatria services is aimed at standardising medical care and improving maternal and child health at the national and regional levels.
German doctors receive awards on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality
26.01.2026A ceremony was held in Munich to honour German doctors who have been cooperating with the Turkmenistan healthcare system for more than 30 years. The event was held at the Bayerischer Hof hotel, according to IIC. The anniversary medals ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) and commemorative silver badges were presented by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Germany, Berdimyrat Rejepov. Among those awarded were cardiac surgeon Johann Engelbert Meissner, as well as Klaus Georg Parhofer, Liesl Doris Häussermann-Mangold and Volkmar Jansson, leading specialists at the clinics of Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. It was noted that the doctors had been involved in training Turkmen medical personnel and introducing modern technologies in new medical centres in Turkmenistan since the country's first years of independence. The Ambassador thanked the laureates for their contribution to the development of bilateral professional cooperation.
Turkmenistan has introduced new approaches to vaccination and disease prevention
19.01.2026Turkmenistan became the first country in the region to test the WHO FAIR tool for seasonal influenza vaccination. This made it possible to adopt a national vaccination policy in 2025. This was reported by Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, in an interview with the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, according to Turkmenportal. He noted progress in the field of healthcare. The country has developed a National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control for 2026-2030. Six tuberculosis hospitals have installed portable X-ray systems using artificial intelligence. With the support of UNFPA, the cervical cancer screening programme has reached 72% of the target group. The national immunisation calendar has also been updated: a six-valent vaccine has been introduced and a vaccine against human papillomavirus has been added.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
