WHO and Turkmenistan Launch New Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control

Turkmenistan, in collaboration with WHO/Europe, is developing a new National Strategic Plan on tuberculosis control for 2026–2030, following a comprehensive review of its existing TB control program. Key stakeholders are engaged to define strategic directions and targets, with a strong focus on regional collaboration to combat TB effectively. The initiative aligns with the global goal to end TB by 2030.

Turkmenistan is intensifying its efforts against tuberculosis (TB), highlighted by a recent visit from a technical advisory team from WHO/Europe. The team, led by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev and Dr. Mikhail Volik, evaluated the National TB Control Programme (NTP) from 2021 to 2025 and initiated groundwork for a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for the period of 2026 to 2030. This review was essential for defining future goals aligned with regional TB reduction targets.

During the WHO/Europe team’s sessions, Dr. Yedilbayev reported on the NTP’s findings and outlined priority areas for the new NSP. He underscored Turkmenistan’s commitment to the TB-Free Central Asia initiative under the guidance of Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. Key stakeholders from various health institutions and government bodies attended the meeting to discuss the plan’s implications.

A significant aspect of the visit included a discussion with the Minister of Health, Dr. Myrat Mammedov, led by multiple WHO representatives. The discussions aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange on TB control strategies within the WHO European Region, ultimately contributing to the global ambition to end the TB epidemic by 2030.

The discussions also encompassed an assessment of progress under the existing NTP, alongside critical strategic planning for the upcoming years. This included addressing financial and technical support requirements to design a draft action plan for TB control in Turkmenistan, necessary for enhancing the country’s fight against this public health concern.

The collaboration between WHO and the Government of Turkmenistan is set to fortify the country’s capacity in tackling TB, with a shared vision towards reducing disease prevalence in the region.

In summary, Turkmenistan is actively enhancing its tuberculosis control strategy through a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2026–2030, following a comprehensive review of its current National TB Control Programme (NTP). The collaboration with WHO/Europe aims to align national efforts with regional initiatives to combat TB. The discussions highlighted the country’s commitment to share best practices and strengthen capacities in the fight against tuberculosis, contributing to the global goal of eradicating the epidemic by 2030.

Original Source: www.who.int