Turkmenistan has reached an important milestone in improving services for young children with the certification of its second cohort of national trainers on the Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD). Building on the successful certification of the first cohort in 2018, this new group of trainers further strengthens national capacity to scale up early childhood development services nationwide.
This internationally recognized tool helps health workers track children’s development from birth to 3.5 years and provides timely, family-centered support. The certification follows several years of joint work between UNICEF and experts from Ankara University, who have been training, mentoring, and guiding healthcare specialists across the country.
UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry have been working together since 2018 to introduce GMCD into everyday primary healthcare services. These efforts included piloting GMCD assessments in Early Childhood Development rooms and selected clinics, training ECD specialists, healthcare workers, medical university staff, and Ministry representatives, and expanding early intervention services so families can receive help as early as possible. Discussions are also underway to integrate GMCD into university pre-service curricula, clinical standards, and national reporting systems further institutionalizing the approach.
The newly certified national trainers will now help guide the next phase of expansion. Their role is essential for strengthening the skills of frontline health workers, including pediatric and home‑visiting staff, who are key to identifying developmental risks early and supporting families, and for ensuring the consistent use of GMCD across all velayats and Ashgabat.
“This achievement shows Turkmenistan’s strong dedication to helping every child reach their full potential,” said Jalpa Ratna, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. “With the second cohort of national trainers now certified, teams are equipped to expand early childhood services and ensure that more families receive the support they need.”
