WHO conference on the fight against tuberculosis held in Ashgabat

On March 16, a hybrid format conference was held at the UN building under the slogan "Yes! We can end TB!". Organized by the Country Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), the event was dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day and Turkmenistan's Strategy until 2030.

During the conference, experts discussed the transition from Turkmenistan's National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control for 2021–2025 to the National Strategy for 2026–2030, which aligns with global goals to eliminate the disease.

Special attention was given to early detection methods, the introduction of new vaccines, and Turkmenistan's experience in treating complex forms of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Participants reviewed the country's progress in combating co-infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, as well as initiatives to prevent mother-to-child transmission of infections.

Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the National Red Crescent Society confirmed their readiness to support Turkmenistan in implementing health programs.

World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24. Therefore, this conference served as an important step in strengthening regional cooperation within the "Central Asia Free of TB" initiative.