AGP Executive Report

Gender-Responsive Care Training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” training in Ashgabat for 30 Turkmen healthcare professionals, aiming to strengthen gender- and human-rights aware service delivery. Cervical Dysplasia Screening Skills: UNFPA, with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, ran trainings (10–19 Aug) to improve histological examinations for cervical dysplasia screening, bringing pathologists and lab specialists together for hands-on diagnostic practice. Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s health ministry met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including finalizing a draft national action plan and standard operating procedures under International Health Regulations. Wellness Resources: Production of therapeutic mud and sea salt is expanding in the western region, with an enterprise in Balkanabat able to package hundreds of thousands of mud and sea-salt products annually. Youth Health Focus: International Youth Day 2026 in Ashgabat, organized by UNFPA and the sports committee, highlighted young people’s role in supporting a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable future.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Wellness Resources: In the western Balkanabat region, production of therapeutic mud and sea salt is expanding, with an enterprise capacity of 400,000 packages a year and automated quality control. Medical Training for Emergencies: OSCE ran a regional course in Kazakhstan for Central Asian medical specialists, including Turkmenistan, to improve emergency care and evacuation planning for explosive ordnance disposal operations. Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” opens 19–22 August, with the President stressing children’s physical health and modern technologies, alongside family-focused services and competitions. Health Tourism Context: A report highlights India’s fast-growing medical tourism market and its projected expansion by 2030, with Turkmenistan named among source countries for patients. Bilateral Health-Relevant Trade: Bangladesh and Turkmenistan discussed cooperation that includes pharma partnership interest and fertiliser supplies, alongside energy and broader trade plans.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen national planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Kids Health & Development: Ashgabat’s “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” opens 19–22 August, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighting priorities like children’s physical health, modern technologies, and family-focused services. Disaster-Medicine Training: OSCE ran a regional course in Kazakhstan to boost Central Asian medical teams’ skills for emergency care during Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations, with participation including Turkmenistan specialists. Caspian Health & Environment: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day and backed regional scientific cooperation to protect the marine ecosystem—an indirect but important health factor for coastal communities. Medical Tourism Signal: A report says Lilavati Hospital plans an overseas centre in Kazakhstan, aiming to attract patients from Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. Youth & Healthy Lifestyles: International Youth Day events in Ashgabat stressed youth-led participation and a healthy lifestyle as part of sustainable development.

Innovation & Labs in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan’s International Scientific and Technological Park is expanding “in-country” testing in physicochemical, biological, genetic and engineering labs, with work spanning ICT, renewable energy, biotechnology, materials science and GIS, plus ongoing environmental monitoring for the Caspian and Aral regions. Public Health at Borders: WHO and the Turkmen health ministry met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft national action plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Healthcare Expo in October: Ashgabat will host an international exhibition and scientific conference on “Healthcare, Education and Sport” (10–12 Oct), featuring medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, B2B/B2G meetings and masterclasses. Regional Medical Readiness Training: An OSCE course in Almaty trained 14 medical specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan on emergency care for blast injuries, triage and medical evacuation for Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations. Health Tourism Links: Bangladesh and Turkmenistan discussed cooperation that includes pharma and medical-sector partnership ideas, while Turkmenistan also offered fertilizer and energy support as ties deepen. Health & Wellness for Visitors: Avaza’s tourist zone continues to market wellness-focused services, including medical and health departments and sanatorium options for holidaymakers.

Public Health Preparedness: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen national planning, preparedness and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft national action plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Innovation for Health & Industry: Ashgabat’s International Scientific and Technological Park is highlighted as a “scientific heart,” running labs for biotech, renewable energy, materials science and more, with ongoing environmental monitoring for the Caspian and Aral regions. Medical Support Training: An OSCE regional course in Kazakhstan trained Central Asian medical specialists, including Turkmenistan participants, on emergency care for blast injuries, triage and medical evacuation for explosive ordnance disposal operations. Health Tourism Signals: Bangladesh–Turkmenistan talks also touched pharma cooperation, while separate regional coverage points to growing medical tourism ambitions across Central Asia. Wellness & Care at Avaza: Turkmenistan’s Avaza resort zone is promoted as a holiday spot with hotel medical and health departments, wellness centers and sanatorium services. Health-Related Safety Note: A report from abroad describes forced anal examinations in Senegal as a harmful pseudo-medical judicial practice.

Public Health Preparedness: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and Medical Industry met in Ashgabat to strengthen national planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including work on a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Health & Wellness Tourism: Turkmenistan’s Avaza National Tourist Zone continues to market “healing” holiday services, highlighting hotels with medical and health departments, wellness centers, and sanatorium care for visitors. Regional Health Cooperation & Trade: Bangladesh and Turkmenistan renewed talks in Ashgabat, with Turkmenistan offering support for Bangladesh’s energy security and discussing cooperation that also includes pharma sector interest and fertilizer supply—an indirect boost to health-related supply chains. Medical Tourism Links: Iran’s foreign minister said there are no obstacles to issuing visas to Afghan nationals and suggested facilitating access for genuine medical tourism applicants, pointing to systems that could speed entry for patients. Nutrition & Chronic Disease Risk: WHO-linked data show overweight or obesity is widespread across the region, with Turkmenistan cited at 58%—a reminder of rising non-communicable disease risk. Health Sector Networking: An international exhibition and scientific conference in Ashgabat (10–12 October) will bring together healthcare, education, and sport stakeholders, with a focus on medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

Public Health Preparedness: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and Medical Industry met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning, preparedness and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including finalizing a draft National Action Plan and developing standard operating procedures aligned with the International Health Regulations. Medical Tourism & Regional Health Links: Iran’s foreign minister said there are no obstacles to issuing visas to Afghan nationals and that the process can be facilitated for “genuine applicants,” especially medical tourists—pointing to systems for smoother cross-border access. Health Travel Industry Watch: A report on Lilavati Hospital’s planned first overseas centre in Kazakhstan highlights how regional medical tourism is expanding, with Turkmenistan listed among source markets for patients. Wellness & Care in Tourism: Avaza’s national tourist zone continues to market “health care” and wellness services, including hotel medical/health departments and sanatorium offerings for holidaymakers. Youth & Healthy Living: International Youth Day 2026 in Ashgabat, organized with UNFPA, emphasized young people’s role in building a sustainable society, including a healthy lifestyle. Health Risk Context: WHO data cited that 58% of adults in Turkmenistan are overweight or obese (BMI 25+), underscoring ongoing chronic disease risk.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning, preparedness and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Medical Tourism & Access: Iran’s foreign minister said there are no obstacles to issuing visas for Afghan nationals and that processes can be facilitated for “genuine” applicants, especially medical tourists—plus a separate push for overseas care is highlighted by Lilavati Hospital’s planned Kazakhstan centre. Health & Safety in the Region: A Turkmenistan national in north Cyprus was remanded in custody after alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old, with a medical exam expected as part of the investigation. Nutrition & Chronic Disease Risk: WHO data cited show 58% of adults in Turkmenistan are overweight or obese (BMI 25+), underscoring rising cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risks. Youth & Healthy Living: International Youth Day 2026 in Ashgabat (UNFPA with the sports committee) focused on youth participation and a healthy lifestyle. Health-Related Climate Pressure: Reports note July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, raising concerns for heat-related health impacts.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning, preparedness and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including finalizing a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Youth & Healthy Living: International Youth Day 2026 in Ashgabat brought together 200+ young people, with UNFPA and the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport highlighting youth-led participation and priorities like education, equal rights, and a healthy lifestyle. Caspian Sea Health & Pollution Awareness: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day with events in Avaza supported by UNDP/UNEP, focusing on marine litter and plastics and educating children from local health and recreation centres about protecting biodiversity. Regional Medical Tourism Link: Lilavati Hospital plans to open its first overseas super-speciality outpatient centre in Kazakhstan this September, offering second opinions and treatment planning in areas including oncology, cardiology, neurology and IVF—positioning Central Asia as a referral and patient-acquisition route. Health Risk Snapshot (Regional): WHO data cited show 58% of adults in Turkmenistan have overweight or obesity (BMI 25+), underscoring rising chronic disease risk.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and Medical Industry met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning, preparedness and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including work on a draft national action plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Medical Tourism Link: Lilavati Hospital plans to open its first overseas super-speciality outpatient centre in Kazakhstan in September, offering consultations and treatment planning (including oncology, cardiology, neurology and IVF) and routing complex cases to its Mumbai facility—an expansion aimed at attracting international patients, with Turkmenistan listed among key source markets. Health Expo in Ashgabat: An international exhibition and scientific conference on “Healthcare, Education and Sport” is set for 10–12 October 2026 in Ashgabat, featuring medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, B2B/B2G meetings and expert discussions. Nutrition & Chronic Disease Risk: New WHO-linked data show 58% of adults in Turkmenistan are overweight or obese (BMI 25+), placing the country among the higher rates across the region and underscoring links to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Caspian Health & Environment: Caspian Sea Day events in Avaza and national meetings highlighted marine protection and marine litter/microplastics awareness for children, tying ecosystem health to broader public well-being.

Public Health Preparedness: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Youth & Healthy Lifestyle: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s sports committee marked International Youth Day 2026 at the Ashgabat Olympic Complex, highlighting youth-led participation and themes like decent work, quality education, equal rights, and a healthy lifestyle. Health Workforce & Care Access (Media): Australia’s medical drama “The F Ward” is being licensed across many territories, including Turkmenistan, spotlighting hospital life and the stakes of training—an indirect but timely reminder of the public’s interest in healthcare stories. Nutrition & Chronic Disease Risk (Regional Data): Uzbekistan’s adult overweight/obesity rate reached 64% in 2024, with Turkmenistan listed at 58%, underscoring shared regional pressure on cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes prevention. Ocular Treatment Research: A narrative review discusses nanotechnology-based drug delivery for eye diseases, focusing on improving topical effectiveness and overcoming delivery barriers. Community Health Education (Caspian Sea Day): UNDP/UNEP supported a Caspian Sea Day event in Avaza with children from health and recreation centers, teaching about marine plastics and microplastics—linking environment protection to public wellbeing.

Public Health at Borders: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning, preparedness, and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including work on a draft national action plan and standard operating procedures aligned with International Health Regulations. Healthcare Sector Push: Ashgabat is set to host an international exhibition and scientific conference (10–12 Oct 2026) focused on healthcare, education, and sport, with a spotlight on medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and new cooperation opportunities. Health & Wellness Education: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities expanded the Green School Programme, adding 100 new schools to help make schools safer and healthier while building climate and disaster risk readiness into teaching. Youth Health & Safety: Children’s health centers in Gokdere held fire-applied sports competitions for ages 10–14, training young participants in practical fire safety skills with support from civil defense and youth organizations. Nutrition & Weight Risk (Regional): WHO data highlighted that 64% of adults in Uzbekistan are overweight or obese, underscoring a wider Central Asia challenge tied to higher risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Public Health Preparedness: WHO and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health met in Ashgabat to strengthen planning and response for public health emergencies at points of entry, including work on a draft National Action Plan and standard operating procedures aligned with the International Health Regulations. Health & Wellness Research: A new review highlights nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches for eye diseases, focusing on how modern delivery systems could improve treatment where traditional eye drops struggle. Caspian Health & Environment: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day and reiterated ecosystem protection as a priority, with events and regional cooperation efforts tied to marine environmental safeguards that can affect long-term public health. Green Schools (Climate-Health Link): UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities expanded the Green School Programme by adding 100 new schools, aiming to make schools safer and healthier while building climate and disaster risk readiness. Emergency Protection Training: UNICEF and partners ran a three-day workshop in Ashgabat for frontline responders on protection in emergencies, including child protection, risk identification, and referral practices. International Health Expo: Ashgabat will host an international exhibition and scientific conference in October focused on healthcare, education, and sport, featuring medical technologies and pharmaceuticals alongside training and cooperation opportunities. Nutrition/Weight Snapshot (Regional): WHO data cited shows overweight or obesity is widespread in Uzbekistan (64% in 2024), underscoring the broader regional burden of diet- and lifestyle-linked chronic disease.

Heat & Health Preparedness: WHO’s Europe and Central Asia director warns that extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and longer, raising risks beyond heatstroke for heart, lung and kidney conditions, mental health, and pregnancy—urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, facility readiness, and simple steps like hydration and avoiding peak-hour exertion. Maternal & Child Nutrition: A national roundtable in Ashgabat focused on strengthening support systems for exclusive breastfeeding, with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation pushing peer-to-peer counseling and broader public measures to improve infant nutrition and protect mothers’ health. Inclusive Education & Resilience: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education and civil defence partners expanded efforts for safer, healthier schools and inclusive learning—adding 100 new schools to the Green School Programme and running a week-long inclusive education mission plus emergency protection training for frontline responders. Caspian Sea Health & Community Awareness: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day with a conference on ecosystem protection under the Tehran Convention, while Avaza hosted a UNDP/UNEP-backed children’s event on marine litter and plastics. Regional Health & Wellness Context: WHO data show 58% of adults in Turkmenistan are overweight or obese (BMI 25+), placing the country among the higher rates in the region.

Caspian Sea Health & Environment: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day on 12 August with a presidential address at a scientific conference on protecting the Caspian Sea ecosystem, tying regional cooperation to long-term sustainable development. Marine Pollution Awareness: In Avaza, UNDP and UNEP partners held a children’s event on Caspian Sea Day focused on marine litter, plastic pollution and microplastics, with local health-center and recreation-center kids taking part in awareness sessions. Healthcare, Education & Sport Expo: Ashgabat will host an international exhibition and scientific conference (10–12 October 2026) bringing together medical technology, pharmaceuticals, education programs and sports/rehabilitation specialists for business and knowledge exchange. Maternal & Child Nutrition: UNICEF and Turkmenistan partners discussed strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support systems, including peer-to-peer counseling and training for mothers, as a key step for child nutrition and maternal health. Heat-Health Warning: WHO urged Turkmenistan to prepare for more frequent extreme heat, highlighting risks to heart, lung and kidney conditions, mental health, pregnancy, and outdoor workers, and recommending heat-health action plans and early warnings. Inclusive Education: UNICEF supported a week-long mission to advance inclusive education, focusing on better coordination, teacher preparation and support for children with disabilities and developmental needs. Emergency Preparedness Training: A three-day workshop in Ashgabat trained frontline responders on protection in emergencies, including child protection, risk identification and referral. Youth Fire-Safety Sports: Children’s health centers in Gokdere hosted fire-applied sports competitions for ages 10–14, training safe firefighting skills alongside the Red Crescent and fire-safety services.

Caspian Sea Health & Environment: On 12 August, Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day with a presidential address at a scientific conference focused on protecting the Caspian Sea ecosystem and regional sustainable development, recalling key Turkmen-led milestones from the 2002 Ashgabat summit to Avaza forums. Heat & Public Health: WHO warned that extreme heat is increasingly stressing health systems in Turkmenistan and across the region, raising risks for heart, lung and kidney conditions, mental health, and pregnancy outcomes—urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, facility readiness, and simple steps like hydration and avoiding peak heat. Maternal & Child Nutrition: UNICEF and Turkmenistan partners held a national roundtable in Ashgabat on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support, with experts calling for peer-to-peer counseling and broader community guidance to protect infant nutrition and improve mothers’ health. National Health Strategy: Turkmenistan approved a 2026–2030 program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” prioritizing reproductive care, maternal and child health services, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Healthcare & Education Expo: Ashgabat will host an international exhibition and scientific conference (10–12 October 2026) bringing together healthcare, education and sport stakeholders, including medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, to support international cooperation. Inclusive Education & Child Protection: UNICEF-backed efforts continued with training for emergency protection responders and expanded inclusive education support, including a Green School Programme rollout to 100 new schools to make learning safer and more resilient.