On 19 December, The United Nations Building in Ashgabat hosted the fourth meeting of the National Intersectoral Coordination Committee for the implementation of the “One Health” approach in Turkmenistan. Organized with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the meeting focused on strengthening the synergy between human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
The National Intersectoral Coordination Committee was established to streamline communication and ensure the effective execution of joint activities across various government bodies. The committee includes representatives from key ministries and departments, serving as the central hub for the country’s integrated health strategy.
During the session, national coordinators from three pivotal entities: The State Veterinary Service, The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan delivered progress reports.
Arslan Soltanmyradov, the National Coordinator for “One Health” from the State Veterinary Service and Head of the Department of International and Scientific Relations, presented a comprehensive report on the country’s achievements in animal health.
Key highlights of his report included:
Laboratory Capacity: Significant progress in strengthening diagnostic facilities nationwide.
Zoonosis Prevention: Focused efforts on preventing diseases that jump from animals to humans.
International Standards: The successful implementation of global veterinary protocols and the continuous training of specialized personnel.
Intersectoral Cooperation: Enhanced data sharing and joint response strategies between agriculture and public health sectors.
The State Veterinary Service, under the Ministry of Agriculture, leverages its extensive network of territorial units and advanced laboratory base to provide early detection and rapid response to zoonotic threats.
The “One Health” Committee operates with a clear mandate to protect the nation from interconnected biological risks. Its core objectives include:
Coordination & Monitoring: Establishing robust mechanisms for communication and cooperation, alongside tools for monitoring and evaluating “One Health” initiatives across all sectors.
Policy Support: Assisting in the development of a unified national policy framework to institutionalize the “One Health” approach.
Capacity Building: Strengthening the national system’s preparedness and planning capabilities regarding health risks at the intersection of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
