On 25 September 2026, at a high-level UN meeting, Turkmenistan outlined its priorities in the areas of pandemic prevention, preparedness and emergency response. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan.

The initiatives presented are based on proposals by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which he had previously outlined at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

The proposals include the development of a programme to study the coronavirus genome, the creation of a multilateral mechanism to combat pneumonia, and the establishment of a methodological centre for the prevention and treatment of acute infectious diseases under the auspices of the World Health Organisation.

In collaboration with the WHO, Turkmenistan continues to improve epidemiological surveillance, strengthen pandemic preparedness and develop laboratory infrastructure. Particular attention is also being paid to implementing the ‘One Health’ concept, which brings together issues relating to human health, animal health and the state of the environment.