On 27 March 2026, the National Coordination Meeting was held at the United Nations (UN) building in Ashgabat within the framework of the Pandemic Fund: “Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health approach in Central Asia”. The event was conducted in a hybrid format with the participation of representatives from government agencies, international organizations, and partner institutions.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, as well as international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank (WB), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, as well as other relevant departments and scientific institutions.
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, took part in the meeting, underscoring the importance of intersectoral cooperation in implementing the “One Health” approach.
The meeting was also attended by Maral Chommadova, Regional Coordinator of the “One Health” Project, and Oxana Kravtsova, Manager of the “Environment and Health Programme” and Coordinator of the “One Health in Central Asia” Project implemented by CAREC, which serves as the Regional Secretariat.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the progress of project implementation for 2024–2025 across key sectors—public health, veterinary services, and environmental protection—and presented plans for 2026. Particular attention was given to strengthening epidemiological surveillance, enhancing laboratory capacity, and improving interagency coordination.
An important part of the programme included regional updates from international organizations, including an overview of project financing and discussions on available and remaining resources. During the intersectoral discussion, participants exchanged views on existing challenges and possible solutions, helping to identify priority areas for further work.
As part of a dedicated session, Oxana Kravtsova presented mechanisms implemented under the regional component of the programme aimed at strengthening cooperation among relevant agencies at both national and regional levels through the functioning of the Regional Coordination Council.
The development of a regional information and educational platform was also highlighted, along with activities aimed at increasing the visibility of the region in the field of “One Health”, including participation in high-level international events.
In her presentation, Oxana Kravtsova particularly noted:
“The key element of effective experience exchange between countries is the development of peer-to-peer interaction. The One Health Regional Secretariat, composed of representatives of relevant ministries of Central Asian countries, not only provides technical support but also serves as a platform for building sustainable and regular interaction among all stakeholders.”
A separate session was dedicated to coordination mechanisms and setting priorities for 2026, including the development of the national One Health coordination mechanism and planning of joint activities with international and regional partners.
The meeting was held in a constructive and productive atmosphere, fostering open dialogue and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders.
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The One Health approach is now a key tool for effectively responding to modern challenges in the field of healthcare and the environment. Only through strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and coordination will we be able to ensure sustainable preparedness for future pandemics», noted Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project office in Turkmenistan.
Following the meeting, participants agreed on the next steps, including strengthening coordination mechanisms and defining concrete actions and priorities for 2026.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov– Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org