The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, remains at the forefront of World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) activities in Central Asia. Recently, WOAH joined forces with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Turkmenistan to conduct a vital joint mission aimed at organizing comprehensive One Health activities within the country.
During the mission, productive meetings were held with key stakeholders in Turkmenistan’s public health and veterinary sectors. One notable meeting took place with the Deputy Health Minister,
Dr. A. Ovezov. Additionally, visits were made to national reference laboratories, facilitating valuable exchanges with other non-governmental associations operating in the country, such as UNESCO and the World Bank. A workshop was also conducted, focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing One Health activities in Turkmenistan.
The week-long mission was concluded with the formulation of a set of recommendations by the tripartite group. These recommendations highlight key actions to be undertaken in Turkmenistan to foster collaborative efforts across sectors, including human medicine, veterinary medicine, and the environment. By implementing these actions, Turkmenistan aims to enhance global health within its borders.
The recommendations encompass several crucial aspects. They emphasize the need for legislative measures, capacity building in laboratories, strengthening veterinary and medical food expertise, and promoting the acquisition and exchange of data, particularly concerning antibiotic use, zoonotic disease control, food safety, and epidemiological analyses.
The tripartite mission serves as a significant milestone in Turkmenistan’s journey towards comprehensive One Health implementation. The collaborative efforts of FAO, WHO, and WOAH, alongside the active engagement of public health and veterinary authorities, pave the way for improved health outcomes and a more integrated approach to addressing health challenges.
As the One Health movement gains momentum globally, Turkmenistan stands poised to make significant strides in safeguarding the well-being of its population, animals, and environment. Through continued dedication to collaborative actions and shared goals, the country aims to create a healthier and more resilient future for all.
