A Turkmen delegation is participating in a regional training course entitled ‘Towards Respectful Care: Overcoming Gender Bias in Medical Practice,’ which is being held on 15-16 July in Almaty. The event is organised as part of the EU-supported CADAP 7 programme, according to the news website Turkmenportal.

The training aims to improve the skills of healthcare workers and civil society representatives in providing gender-sensitive and trauma-informed care to women who use synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS).

The delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, relevant universities and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing ways to overcome stigma in medicine, develop an empathetic and professional approach to patients, and improve cross-sectoral cooperation.

Particular attention is being paid to the role of men in creating a safe and respectful medical environment. The initiative is being implemented in support of Turkmenistan's national priorities for the development of an inclusive health care system.