AGP Executive Report

Caspian Sea Day for kids in Avaza: UNDP and UNEP marked Caspian Sea Day with an environmental awareness event for children from Dayanch Health Centre and Arzuv Children’s Recreation Centre, focusing on marine biodiversity and the health risks from marine plastic and microplastics. Maternal and child health push: Turkmenistan launched a new national family health program, “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” (2026–2030), prioritizing reproductive care, maternal/child services, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Breastfeeding support roundtable: UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation held a high-level discussion on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support systems, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers. Green schools expansion: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education brought 100 new schools into the Green School Programme to make schools safer and healthier, with climate and disaster risk readiness built into teaching. Heat-health warning from WHO: WHO urged Turkmenistan to prepare for worsening heatwaves, warning they can strain heart, lung, kidney and mental health, and recommended hydration, avoiding peak heat, cooling homes, and checking on vulnerable people. Inclusive education training: UNICEF supported a technical mission to strengthen inclusive education, improving coordination, teacher preparation, and support for children with disabilities and learning needs. Emergency preparedness workshop: UNICEF and partners trained frontline government responders on protection in emergencies, including child protection, risk identification, and referral. Healthy summer for children: Avaza children’s health and recreation centers are running the summer program with health-focused activities and nutritious meals for hundreds of children per session.

Heat-Health Preparedness: WHO warns that extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and can worsen heart, lung and kidney conditions, raise mental health risks, and endanger pregnant people—urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, cooler homes, hydration, and extra checks on children, older adults, and those with chronic illness. Maternal & Child Health: Turkmenistan approved the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a roadmap to strengthen reproductive, maternal and child healthcare, prevention and early diagnosis, and workforce training. Breastfeeding Support: A national roundtable in Ashgabat focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers with support from nurses and lactation specialists. Green Schools (Healthier Learning): UNICEF and the Ministry of Education expanded the Green School Programme to 100 new schools, aiming for safer, healthier, more climate-resilient campuses. Inclusive Education: UNICEF supported a week-long technical mission to advance inclusive education for children with disabilities and developmental needs, including better teacher preparation and school support. Emergency Protection Training: UNICEF and partners ran a three-day workshop on protection in emergencies for frontline government responders, covering child protection, risk identification, referral and case management.

Maternal & Child Health: Turkmenistan has launched a new national program, “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” (2026–2030), with a roadmap to strengthen reproductive healthcare, maternal and child services, and family social support, including workforce upgrades and a focus on disease prevention and early diagnosis. Breastfeeding Support: A high-level roundtable in Ashgabat, organized with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, pushed for stronger exclusive breastfeeding guidance and practical help, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers. Emergency Preparedness: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s civil defence and rescue bodies ran a three-day workshop in Ashgabat to train frontline responders on protection in emergencies, including child protection, risk identification, safe referral, and coordination across agencies. Climate-Ready Schools: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education expanded the Green School Programme by adding 100 new schools, aiming to make schools safer, healthier, and more resilient to climate change impacts. Heat Health: WHO warned that extreme heat is increasingly affecting health in Turkmenistan, urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, facility readiness, and simple steps like hydration and checking on vulnerable people. Children’s Wellness: In Avaza, children’s health and recreation centers are running summer sessions with health-promoting activities and nutritious meals for hundreds of kids per session.

Maternal & child health policy: Turkmenistan has launched the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a roadmap being drafted by UNFPA and health authorities to strengthen reproductive care, maternal and child services, prevention, early diagnosis, and the healthcare workforce. Breastfeeding support: A high-level roundtable in Ashgabat focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding, with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation pushing practical measures like peer-to-peer counseling and wider public support. Education for health & resilience: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education expanded the Green School Programme by adding 100 new schools, aiming to make schools safer, healthier, and more climate-ready. Emergency preparedness training: UNICEF and civil defence partners ran a three-day workshop in Ashgabat on protection in emergencies for frontline government responders, including child protection and referral practices. Heat-health warning: WHO urged Turkmenistan to prepare for more frequent heatwaves, stressing hydration, protecting vulnerable groups, and using heat-health action plans to cut heat-related deaths. Children’s health & nutrition: Avaza children’s centers are running summer programs with health-promoting activities and “healthy and nutritious meals,” welcoming 600 children per session.

Maternal & Child Health Policy: Turkmenistan has approved the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a roadmap to strengthen reproductive care, maternal and child health services, disease prevention, and early diagnosis, plus a major focus on building the healthcare workforce. Breastfeeding Support: A high-level roundtable in Ashgabat, organized with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, pushed for stronger exclusive breastfeeding support, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers and guidance from nurses and lactation specialists. Inclusive Education: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education continued expanding inclusive education, including a week-long technical mission to improve coordination, teacher preparation, and support for children with disabilities and developmental needs. Climate-Ready Schools: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education added 100 new schools to the Green School Programme, aiming to make schools safer, healthier, and more resilient to climate change impacts. Emergency Preparedness Training: UNICEF and civil defence/rescue partners ran a three-day protection-in-emergencies workshop for frontline responders, covering child protection, risk identification, referral, and emergency planning. Heat Health Warning: WHO urged Turkmenistan to prepare for more frequent heatwaves, warning they can worsen heart, lung, kidney and mental health, and recommending hydration, cooling, early-warning systems, and checks on vulnerable people. Children’s Health & Safety: In Gokdere, Chynar Children’s Health Center hosted fire-applied sports competitions for ages 10–14, with teams judged on safe extinguisher use and firefighting skills. Nutrition & Summer Care: Avaza’s Arzuw Children’s Health and Recreation Center is running summer sessions for 600 children per shift, with health-promoting activities and “healthy and nutritious meals.”

Heat-Health Preparedness: WHO warns that extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and longer, raising risks beyond heatstroke to heart, lung, kidney and mental health—especially for children, older people, pregnant women and outdoor workers; it urges heat-health action plans, early warnings, cooler homes, hydration, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Maternal & Child Health: Turkmenistan approved the 2026–2030 national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” with a phased plan to strengthen reproductive care, maternal/child services, disease prevention and early diagnosis, plus major work on the healthcare workforce and monitoring. Breastfeeding Support: A national roundtable in Ashgabat focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding, with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation pushing peer-to-peer counseling and broader public support systems. Inclusive Education: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education continued inclusive education efforts, including a week-long expert mission to improve coordination, teacher preparation, and support for children with disabilities and developmental needs. Green Schools for Health & Resilience: UNICEF and the education ministry expanded the Green School Programme to 100 new schools, aiming to make schools safer, healthier and more climate-resilient through governance, facilities, teaching and community engagement. Emergency Protection Training: UNICEF and civil defence partners ran a three-day workshop on protection in emergencies for frontline responders, covering child protection, risk identification, referral and case management. Youth Fire Safety Sports: In Gokdere, children’s health centers hosted fire-applied sports competitions, training 10–14-year-olds in practical firefighting skills and safe extinguisher use.

Heat & Health Preparedness: WHO warns that extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and longer, raising risks beyond heatstroke—worsening heart, lung and kidney conditions, affecting mental health, and increasing danger during pregnancy; WHO urges heat-health action plans, early warnings, cooler homes, hydration, avoiding strenuous outdoor work at peak hours, and checking on vulnerable people. Maternal & Child Health Policy: Turkmenistan has approved the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a 2026–2028 implementation phase and a 2029–2030 target phase, prioritizing reproductive care, maternal and child services, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Breastfeeding Support: A UNICEF-led national roundtable in Ashgabat focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support systems, including practical measures like peer-to-peer counseling with trained local mothers. Education for Healthier Futures: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education expanded the Green School Programme to 100 new schools, aiming to make schools safer, healthier and more climate-resilient, with climate and disaster risk topics built into learning. Emergency Protection Training: UNICEF and partners trained 30 frontline government responders on protection in emergencies, covering child protection, risk identification, safe referral and case management. Children’s Health & Safety Skills: In Gokdere, Chynar Children’s Health Center hosted fire-applied sports competitions for ages 10–14, with teams tested on extinguisher use and simulated fire response.

Heat-Health Preparedness: WHO warned that extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and can worsen heart, lung and kidney conditions, raise mental-health risks, and endanger pregnancy—urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, ready health facilities, protection for outdoor workers, and simple steps like hydration and avoiding peak sun. Maternal & Child Health Push: Turkmenistan approved the 2026–2030 national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” with a 2026–2028 implementation phase focused on strengthening reproductive care, maternal/child services, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and upgrading the healthcare workforce. Breastfeeding Support: A national roundtable in Ashgabat, with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support systems, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers. Children’s Health & Safety Sports: In Gokdere, the Chynar Children’s Health Center hosted regular fire-applied sports competitions for ages 10–14, organized with Turkmenistan’s fire safety and youth/education partners. Cycling Training Camp: Turkmenistan’s national cycling team began a joint training camp in Ashgabat with a club from Abu Dhabi, running to Aug 20 and emphasizing road cycling and intensive track sessions. Caspian Sea Water Stress: A new study links falling Caspian Sea levels to reduced river inflows, including major losses tied to withdrawals across the region—highlighting the health and water risks of the broader crisis. Health Sector Capacity via Training: Turkmenistan also published a new agronomy textbook covering modern crop cultivation, rational water use, and plant nutrition—supporting future food and nutrition resilience.

Heat-Health Warning: WHO says extreme heat in Turkmenistan is becoming more frequent and longer, raising risks beyond heatstroke to heart, lung and kidney problems, mental health, and pregnancy complications—urging heat-health action plans, early warnings, cooler homes, hydration, and extra checks on older people, children, and those with chronic illness. Maternal & Child Health Push: Turkmenistan launched the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a 2026–2028 implementation phase and workforce strengthening, disease prevention, and early diagnosis at the center; UNFPA and health authorities also drafted the roadmap for the program. Breastfeeding Support Roundtable: A high-level Ashgabat roundtable with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support, including peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers and guidance from nurses and lactation specialists. Caspian Sea Health Link: A new study ties falling Caspian Sea levels to sharply reduced river inflows from countries including Turkmenistan, warning that water withdrawals are pushing the sea toward collapse—an environmental risk with major downstream health implications. Community Wellness for Kids: Avaza’s children’s health and recreation centers are running summer sessions with “healthy and nutritious meals” and sports and learning activities for hundreds of children per session.

Breastfeeding Support in Ashgabat: A national roundtable in Ashgabat, organized by UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support for the first six months. Speakers stressed that mothers need skilled, practical guidance and a supportive environment, and proposed peer-to-peer counseling led by trained local mothers, with systematic training by nurses and lactation specialists. National Maternal-Child Health Plan: Turkmenistan also moved ahead with its new “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” program for 2026–2030, backed by a phased implementation plan and a roadmap process led with UNFPA, aiming to improve reproductive healthcare, maternal and child services, disease prevention, and early diagnosis. Heat-Health Warning: WHO urged Turkmenistan to prepare for more frequent, longer heatwaves, warning that extreme heat can worsen heart, lung, kidney and mental health, and raise risks in pregnancy; it recommended heat-health action plans, early warnings, facility readiness, hydration, and checking on vulnerable people. Digital Health Cooperation: Turkmenistan took part in a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, highlighting plans to modernize telecom infrastructure and expand digital government services, including in healthcare. Child Health in Avaza: In Avaza, children’s health and recreation centers are running summer programs with “healthy and nutritious meals,” sports and learning activities, and large group sessions for kids from across the country.

Heat-Health Preparedness: WHO warns that heatwaves are becoming more frequent in Turkmenistan, stressing risks beyond heatstroke—worsening heart, lung and kidney conditions, affecting mental health, and raising dangers for pregnancy—urging heat-health action plans, early warning, cooler homes, hydration, and checks on older people and those living alone. Maternal & Child Health: Turkmenistan has approved the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a roadmap being drafted by UNFPA and the Ministry of Healthcare to strengthen reproductive care, maternal and child services, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and the healthcare workforce. Digital Health & Connectivity: Turkmenistan took part in a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, highlighting plans to modernize telecom infrastructure, expand digital government services, and apply advanced digital technologies across sectors including healthcare. Child Nutrition & Summer Care: In Avaza, children’s health and recreation centers are running summer sessions with “healthy and nutritious meals,” sports and learning activities, and capacity for 600 children per session. Public Health Workforce Focus: The new family-health program also calls for assessing staffing needs and updating university and vocational curricula to match modern medical technologies and introduce new specialties.

Maternal & Child Health Program: Turkmenistan has approved the national five-year program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a phased plan (2026–2028 and 2029–2030) focused on reproductive care, maternal and child health services, family social support, workforce strengthening, and disease prevention plus early diagnosis. UN Coordination: UNFPA and the Turkmen Ministry of Healthcare drafted the program’s implementation roadmap in Ashgabat, agreeing on target indicators and monitoring through inter-agency cooperation. Digital Health Push: Turkmenistan joined a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, stressing regional digital transformation and modernizing telecom infrastructure, including digital technologies for healthcare. Healthy Holidays for Kids: Avaza’s children’s health and recreation centers are running summer sessions with “healthy and nutritious meals,” sports and learning facilities, and programs for 600 children per session at Arzuw Children’s Center. Health System Capacity in the Region: Uzbekistan provided $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Afghanistan’s Balkh to help address shortages and strengthen services. Safety & Care Abroad: A Kyrgyz citizen in Cyprus, a 22-year-old, remains in critical condition after a knife attack at a supermarket; both victim and suspect were taken to a state hospital as police investigate.

Maternal & Child Health: Turkmenistan has approved the national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a 2026–2028 implementation phase and a 2029–2030 phase focused on hitting performance targets; priorities include strengthening the maternal and child healthcare workforce, updating university and vocational curricula, and pushing disease prevention and early diagnosis. Roadmap Planning: A UNFPA-led coordination council meeting in Ashgabat, with the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry and other agencies, drafted the program roadmap, including target indicators and monitoring mechanisms. Digital Health Support: Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Communications joined a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, stressing digital transformation and noting healthcare as one of the sectors benefiting from improved connectivity and digital government services. Child Wellness in Avaza: The Arzuw Children’s Health and Recreation Center in Avaza is running summer sessions for 600 children per shift, offering sports, learning activities, and “healthy and nutritious” meals. Safety & Emergency Care: In Cyprus, a 22-year-old Kyrgyz citizen (born in Kazakhstan) was seriously injured in a knife attack at Metropol Market; she was taken to hospital in critical condition, while police investigate attempted murder.

Maternal & Child Health Roadmap: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry met in Ashgabat to draft the 2026–2030 “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” programme roadmap, focusing on women’s reproductive health, key maternal/child indicators, and monitoring plus stronger inter-agency cooperation. Family Social Services: Turkmenistan shared its approach to strengthening family-oriented social services and professional social work at a regional forum in Dushanbe, aiming to help families access support early and protect vulnerable children. Health System Support (Regional): Uzbekistan provided $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Afghanistan’s Balkh province, including beds, wheelchairs, and refrigerators, as supply shortages continue. Public Health Context: A Legatum Prosperity Index report highlighted healthcare and living conditions as key factors in Central Asia’s rankings, with Turkmenistan listed at 150th among 161 countries. Health & Wellness for Children: Turkmenistan’s “Gara Altyn” children’s health center in Balkanabat hosted summer sessions for 400 children, combining recreation with cultural and sports activities.

Maternal & child health roadmap: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry met in Ashgabat to draft the 2026–2030 roadmap for “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” focusing on women’s reproductive health, maternal/child indicators, and how to monitor progress. Family-first social services: Turkmenistan shared its approach to strengthening family-oriented social protection and professional social work at a regional forum in Dushanbe, aiming to help vulnerable children and families get support earlier and reduce unnecessary separation. Health system support in the region: Uzbekistan provided $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Afghanistan’s Balkh province, including beds, wheelchairs, and refrigerators, as supply shortages continue to strain care. Health, safety, and access: A Turkmen citizen died after a moped crash on the Yerevan–Sevan–Ijevan highway; he was taken to Sevan Medical Center but died without regaining consciousness. One Health training call: A Central Asia “One Health” media training and conference in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 in person) is open for journalists covering health, ecology, agriculture, and disease links. Wellness for children: The “Gara Altyn” Children’s Health Center on the Caspian coast hosted summer sessions for 400 children, with cultural, sports, and learning activities. Health context from the region: A new prosperity ranking placed Turkmenistan 150th out of 161, with healthcare and living conditions among the indicators.

Health diplomacy & supplies: Uzbekistan sent $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Afghanistan’s Balkh province, including beds, wheelchairs and refrigerators, as shortages and funding gaps keep straining care. One Health & reporting skills: CAREC opened applications for Central Asian journalists for a “One Health” training in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 conference), focused on how animal, human and environmental health connect. Demographic resilience planning: UNFPA led a workshop in Ashgabat (July 27–29) to shape Turkmenistan’s draft National Strategy for Demographic Resilience, with the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry among key partners. Child health & recreation: Children at the “Gara Altyn” Children’s Health Center near Balkanabat are spending the summer season improving health with sports, arts and modern facilities. Medical education spotlight: A profile highlights Niyazgul Kuliyeva as the first Turkmen woman to earn a Candidate of Medical Sciences degree. Cardiovascular research note: A study on hypertension outcomes discusses a CCB-related pharmacogenomics-guided approach and short-term safety in Chinese patients. Public health infrastructure: The “Mollagara” sanatorium is welcoming guests with expanded modern buildings and treatments for musculoskeletal, nervous and genitourinary conditions.