Turkmenistan’s newly created National Intersectoral Coordination Committee for a “One Health” approach aims to balance and enhance the health of people, animals, and ecosystems in the country. Established by national partners responsible for the implementation of the One Health approach on a national level, the Committee’s first meeting took place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in June 2024. The meeting was organized under the framework of the One Health Project for Central Asian countries (2024–2027) and is implemented with support from WHO.
Addressing complex health challenges and the successful implementation of this approach requires collaboration across various sectors of government. The Committee will therefore serve as a platform for coordination, communication, and cooperation on the One Health approach for national focal points from diverse sectors. It will be led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
Aims and objectives
The creation of the Committee underscores Turkmenistan's commitment to promoting a holistic approach to health and sustainability. The Committee will play a crucial role in implementing the One Health Joint Action Plan (OH JPA) (2022–2026), providing support, coordination, and oversight at the national level.
The Committee’s primary objectives include:
- the creation of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating ongoing activities between the relevant sectors;
- the provision of support in developing a national policy;
- strengthening the capacity of the national system;
- planning and preparedness for various health risks at the animal−human-ecosystem interface;
- reducing the risks associated with zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases;
- support in achieving sustainable development goals other than health-related goals; and
- strengthening the human resources capacity of various sectors involved.
The Committee consists of representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, 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. Karryev, Centre for Registration of Medicines and State Control of their Quality, Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics, and State Committee of Turkmenistan on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, as well as other relevant ministries and agencies. Additionally, national coordinators representing 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.