An extended training course on the use of a modern tool for joint assessment of zoonotic disease risks within the framework of the ‘One Health’ approach was held in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC.

The event, organised by the WHO, was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation, developing surveillance and increasing preparedness for biological threats.

WHO experts presented participants with modern methods for analysing epidemiological data, assessing risk factors and identifying vulnerabilities, as well as practical approaches to developing response measures.

The programme included studying the structure of the risk assessment tool, working with probability and consequence matrices, analysing scenarios of interagency cooperation, and modelling situations related to zoonotic infections.

The training was attended by specialists from veterinary services, health care, environmental protection agencies and other structures working with biological and epidemiological risks. The State Veterinary Service was represented by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the Department of International and Scientific Relations.

A. Soltanmyradov noted that the introduction of an international risk assessment tool significantly strengthens epidemiological surveillance, improves data exchange between agencies and increases the country's preparedness for possible outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.

The use of the tool allows for the rapid identification of threats, improved interaction between sectors, the formation of a common understanding of risks, and increased resilience of national health and veterinary control systems.