Turkmenistan and WHO Collaborate on New National Strategic Plan for TB Control

Turkmenistan is developing a new National Strategic Plan on tuberculosis (TB) control (2026-2030) with support from WHO. The plan builds upon a recent review of the National TB Control Programme (2021-2025). The mission aims to align national initiatives with regional TB reduction targets and enhances Turkmenistan’s capacity to combat TB.

On 14 March 2025, Turkmenistan reiterated its commitment to combat tuberculosis (TB) by developing a new National Strategic Plan (NSP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). A technical advisory team from WHO/Europe, led by Dr. Askar Yedilbayev and Dr. Mikhail Volik, visited Turkmenistan from 24–28 February 2025 to present the findings of their review of the National TB Control Programme (NTP) for 2021–2025 and to lay the foundations for the NSP for 2026–2030.

In 2024, a comprehensive assessment of the NTP was conducted upon the request of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and Medical Industry. The evaluation aims to align national objectives with regional TB reduction targets. Dr. Yedilbayev stated, “The results of the review will form the basis for the development of the National Strategic Plan of Turkmenistan on TB Control for 2026–2030, which will define key directions and new targets for 2030.”

During the session, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan revealed the review’s findings. Dr. Yedilbayev highlighted the priority areas for the upcoming NSP and reiterated Turkmenistan’s involvement in the TB-Free Central Asia initiative led by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe. This meeting was attended by various stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the State Medical University, and United Nations agencies.

A vital aspect of the visit was a meeting with Dr. Myrat Mammedov, the Minister of Health. Conversations focused on assessing progress under the current plan, establishing strategic direction, and defining targets for 2026–2030. The mission further evaluated the necessary financing and technical support to draft an actionable plan for the NTP.

The primary aim of the WHO/Europe mission is to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacity to combat TB and to share its successes with other countries in the WHO European Region. Both WHO and the Government of Turkmenistan will collaborate closely to reduce the TB burden in the region.

In summary, Turkmenistan is actively working towards enhancing its National TB Control efforts through a new National Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, backed by WHO experts. The country’s commitment to achieving TB reduction goals aligns with regional ambitions. Continued collaboration between Turkmenistan and WHO is essential to strengthen capacities in addressing the TB epidemic and sharing best practices across the WHO European Region.

Original Source: www.who.int