From November 25 to 28, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, conducted a workshop on the Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) of zoonotic diseases. The event was held at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition of the State Sanitary Epidemiological Service in Ashgabat within the framework of the "One Health" project aimed at pandemic prevention and strengthening the resilience of food systems and ecosystems in Central Asia.
The workshop was attended by specialists from the healthcare system, the veterinary service, environmental protection bodies, and other relevant ministries and departments. Participants mastered WHO JRA tools and methodologies, gaining practical skills for intersectoral assessment of and response to threats associated with zoonotic infections.
Technical support for the training was provided by Peter Sousa Hoejskov, Expert at the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) on food safety and zoonoses; Mario Latini, Technical Assistant at the Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH); as well as Dr. Rustam Ikramov, WHO/Europe Consultant and National Focal Point for International Health Regulations (IHR) in Uzbekistan. Under their guidance, the participants formed an intersectoral working group to identify priority zoonotic diseases and coordinate further risk assessments.
As a result of the workshop, a national team of Turkmen specialists on zoonotic disease risk assessment under the "One Health" approach was established. The formation of such a team will strengthen the country's preparedness and resilience to new threats to human, animal, and environmental health.
The training program included:
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Study of the structure and algorithms of the Joint Risk Assessment tool;
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Practical work with probability and impact matrices;
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Discussion of scenarios for interagency collaboration and response;
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Simulation of standard situations related to zoonotic diseases;
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Recommendations for improving information sharing between sectors.
Among the participants was a representative of the State Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan - Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Division and a member of the Regional Coordination Council of the "One Health in Central Asia" program.
Reference:
"One Health" is an integrated approach recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. It is aimed at strengthening well-being, preventing biological threats, and ensuring sustainable development.
Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted from animals to humans. These include rabies, anthrax, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and many others. According to FAO data, brucellosis remains the most significant zoonosis for Turkmenistan, prevalent among cattle, small ruminants, and camels. Transmission occurs through unpasteurized milk and direct contact with infected animals, making the disease a serious public health problem.
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Аdditional information:
Oxana Kravtsova - Regional One Health Program Coordinator, okravtsova@carececo.org
Irina Bubenko - Regional One Health Program Specialist, ibubenko@carececo.org
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)