Turkmenistan takes bold actions for the implementation of thе “One Health” approach in the country, which aims to enhance the health of people, animals and ecosystems. Addressing complex health challenges and successful implementation of this approach requires coordinated collaboration across various sectors of the government.
In this regard, on June 4, 2024, the first meeting of the National Intersectoral Coordination Committee on the “One Health” approach, which was created to coordinate, communicate and effectively implement joint activities at the national level was held in Ashgabat.
Led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the Committee consists of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Adalat of Turkmenistan, Main State Service “Turkmenstandartlary”, Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, State Medical University of Turkmenistan named after M. Karryyev, Center for Registration of Medicines and State Control of their Quality, Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics, State Committee of Turkmenistan on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and other ministries and agencies.
The primary objectives of the National Intersectoral Coordination Committee include the following:
- creating mechanisms for coordination, communication and cooperation, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating ongoing activities on the implementation of the “One Health” approach in the country and between relevant sectors;
- providing support in developing the national policy on the “One Health” approach in the country;
- strengthening the capacity of the national system on the “One Health” approach, including planning and preparedness in regard to various risks at the interface of the human health, animal health and ecosystems;
- reducing the risks associated with zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases, as well as assisting in the achievement of other health related goals and sustainable development goals;
- and strengthening human resources capacity in the various sectors involved.
For the effective implementation of the “One Health” approach in Turkmenistan, National Coordinators from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the State Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan were appointed. The establishment of the Committee underscores Turkmenistan’s commitment to promoting a holistic approach to health and sustainability and will play a crucial role in implementing the One Health Joint Action Plan (2022-2026) of the Quadripartite Alliance.
The meeting was organized in the framework of “One Health” project for Central Asian countries (2024-2027), which is being implemented with the support of WHO and partners.
