A technical advisory mission led by experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and organised by the WHO Country Office took place in Turkmenistan from 27 to 29 June. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

WHO experts supported the country's efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD and bronchial asthma.

During the visit, strategic meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Health to discuss achievements and experiences in implementing relevant programmes.

The experts also visited health facilities involved in the pilot implementation of clinical pathways for patients, from prevention to palliative care.

On 28 June, a seminar on improving approaches to the treatment of COPD and asthma was held in Ashgabat, with a focus on evidence-based methods and an interdisciplinary approach.

In addition, experts helped to adapt national clinical protocols to international standards and principles of evidence-based medicine.