The Turkmen delegation took part in the launch ceremony of the initiative “Central Asia, free from tuberculosis”, which is designed to accelerate the liquidation of tuberculosis (TB), including its drug-resistant forms (DR-TB), in all sub region states by 2030.
The event was held in Astana (Republic of Kazakhstan) with the participation of representatives of the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO Europe), also delegates from other Central Asian countries.
The parties signed a joint declaration, taking obligations to strengthen cooperation and promote efforts to eliminate TB in close interaction with the World Health Organization, the partnership to “Stop TB”, civil society and other representatives.
The initiative “Central Asia, free from tuberculosis” will contribute to the implementation of coordinated actions between countries, the introduction of innovation and strengthening potential at the national and sub regional levels.
This initiative builds on global commitments made, including the declaration of the Second United Nations High-level Meeting on Tuberculosis 2023, which sets ambitious targets for 2023-2027 and highlights the importance of a sub-regional approach to addressing tuberculosis. It is also consistent with the provisions of the WHO's second European Work Programme (2026-2030), which defines the elimination of TB and DR-TB as a priority task within the framework of ensuring sanitary and epidemiological safety.
Taking into account the tangible results expected by 2027, “Central Asia, free from tuberculosis” initiative will serve as a structured framework for the five States in the region to assess and enhance their efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.
