On June 1, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health and took part in a solemn event organized in honor of the International Children's Day, “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reported today.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, together with the head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan, Christine Weigand, visited the child development and early recovery department of the Center.

The specialist told how the department is working on the early detection and correction of deviations in the development of children, the provision of methodological assistance and psychological support to a family with a child with growth disorders, the development of individual programs of educational and developmental play activities for children with the involvement of their parents in the rehabilitation process.

The head of state talked with the children and their mothers who are here, inquired about the state of health and the results of the treatment.

As noted, this specialized department provides medical assistance for the early development of a child through various games. The girl, seeing the President, uttered the word “baba” (grandfather). As the girl's mother later noted, this is her first word. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov asked to repeat it and praised the baby, saying “berekella” (well done).

The leader of the nation also examined two playrooms for children of different ages, got acquainted with the conditions created here, inquired in which areas the children were interested, looked at the drawings they had drawn and expressed satisfaction with the results of the treatment. These rooms are designed to stimulate children's ability and curiosity.

Then the head of Turkmenistan visited the office of a speech therapist. As noted, children with speech problems are helped here. In this direction, a phased work plan has been prepared, which should be carried out with each child individually. In addition, the speech therapist conducts special classes, thus, the kids are preparing for kindergarten and secondary school.

Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inquired about the state of health of the baby undergoing treatment, the effectiveness of medical services. The specialist spoke about the procedures carried out here and the results of the joint work of parents and a family doctor.

The head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Turkmenistan, who took part in the event, noted that the equipment installed in the room is considered the most advanced in the world.

Further, the head of state visited the cardiac surgery room of this department. The doctor working here spoke about the conditions for carrying out cardiac surgery and operations for children using advanced methods.

The President of Turkmenistan, communicating with the children undergoing treatment here and their parents, wished them a speedy recovery. During a conversation with one of the kids, the head of state presented him with a toy, inquiring about his state of health and the results of treatment. The child's mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the head of state.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also talked with the teenager who is being treated here, inquired about his state of health and the availability of necessary medical supplies.

The head of state inquired about the plans for the future, the wishes of the boy, who spoke about the treatment, its results, as well as about the future profession that attracts him. In turn, the teenager's mother expressed gratitude to the President of the country for the provided medical services.

As the leader of the nation noted, the state constantly cares about the harmonious development of children, the protection and strengthening of their health, and these principles are the priority directions of the state policy.

The President of Turkmenistan also noted that there are all the necessary conditions for using the opportunities of the established Charitable Foundation to provide assistance to children in need of care, and that he is always ready to help those in need.

The Minister of Health and Medical Industry of the country reported to the leader of the nation that there are currently sufficient quantities of drugs that are considered the most effective in the world, and demonstrated them.

In addition, children who have a suspicion of endocrine disease are monitored here, and they undergo a special examination to fully diagnose the disease. The doctor expressed gratitude to the head of state for the excellent conditions created and assured that he would make every effort to improve the health of children.

Further, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had a conversation with the head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Turkmenistan Christine Weigand.

The head of state noted the effective nature of interaction between our country and UNICEF in the field of children's health care, the intensification of partnerships with relevant foreign structures, and that a significant role in this belongs to the UNICEF office in Turkmenistan.

Mrs. Christine Weigand expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his trust and stressed the importance of exchanging experience in the field of medicine for further development of such cooperation.

Then President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the conference hall of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health Protection, where he held a meeting dedicated to the International Children's Day.

Addressing the audience, the head of state cordially congratulated everyone on the International Children's Day. As the leader of the nation emphasized, caring for the happiness of the young generation of a sovereign Motherland is caring for our great and bright future. That is why the events held in honor of this date increase the pride of our people and especially happy kids for their beloved Motherland.

International Children's Day is widely celebrated in our country, symbolizing adherence to the fundamental ideas and principles of the United Nations in relation to the rights and interests of the child, the constant attention that is paid to the younger generation. This increases the prestige of our state as a country of health and high spirit, a happy childhood.

Wonderful songs and music, theatrical performances glorifying friendship, peace and happiness, creative contests and sports competitions, joyful children's laughter that sounds in the capital - the city of Ashgabat, Gokder, velayat centers and in all cities and villages of the country, personify the well-being of our children.

Events glorifying the high spirit of creation of the current era are a clear confirmation of the achievements of the beloved Motherland.

This year, marked by the 30th anniversary of the independence of our state, the 140th anniversary of the city of Ashgabat and the 25th anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, the International Children's Day is celebrated in an atmosphere of special spiritual uplift. Events in honor of this holiday, held in an atmosphere of joy and fun, reflect the high creative spirit of the great era, the enormous achievements of the beloved Motherland.

Speaking about the fact that this date is of great importance in the life of society, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that last year the “Program for improving the activities of preschool institutions in the field of early development and improving the preparation of a child for school in Turkmenistan for 2020–2025” was adopted.

Also, in order to support large families in the future, it is planned to develop appropriate legal acts, which indicates that the activities carried out in this area are aimed at building a happy life for children who are our pride.

The power of the Motherland is in the happiness of our children. Therefore, guided by the principle “The state is for the person!”, we do everything necessary for the intellectual, physical and spiritual development of the young generation - our future, we create all conditions for personal improvement, diligent learning and engaging in youth creativity, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized.

The social policy implemented in this direction, transformations in the economy and the cultural sphere, the leader of the nation said, are primarily focused on protecting the health of mothers and children, ensuring a comfortable life, conditions for an active and creative life of the younger generation, their upbringing on the basis of national and universal spiritual values.

In a short time, modern children's health centers have been built in all the healing corners of the Turkmen land - the picturesque gorges of the Kopetdag, on the pearl coast of the Caspian Sea, and in the city of Ashgabat and in the velayats - kindergartens and schools. Special attention in the country is paid to the systematic provision of medical and social services to children with disabilities. The most important factor is the constant concern for their education, restoration of their health in new health and recreation centers.

Re-emphasizing that maternal and child health is one of the key directions of state policy, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the advisability of preparing the National Strategy “Healthy Mom - Healthy Child - Healthy Future” and the Action Plan for its implementation. The implementation of this Strategy using a digital system and constant monitoring of its implementation should become one of the main tasks, the leader of the nation said.

The head of state noted that the necessary work is being carried out in the country to constantly provide the child's health care system with specialists that meet international requirements with medicines and health protection products, and to strengthen the material and technical base of health care.

Among the priorities in this area are the creation of comprehensively equal opportunities and conditions for the protection of children's health at all stages of life, as well as the provision of high-quality and affordable medical services based on digital and innovative technologies, advanced medical science and experience.

Thus, “Ene mahri” Health Centers providing specialized health care services have been built in Turkmenistan. It is also a time requirement to establish special diagnostics in all medical institutions of the velayats for early detection and prevention of diseases in toddlers, children and adolescents.

In the future, the leader of the nation said, we must continue to vaccinate children, including 9-year-old boys and girls, against the human papillomavirus. To assess the results of preventive vaccination, it is necessary to provide medical institutions with the necessary software and computer technologies, to improve the work on caring for children and babies in accordance with international standards.

In addition, on the basis of world experience, steps will be taken to improve the “medical literacy” of children and adolescents, their awareness of their health.

One of the most important tasks facing healthcare workers is to conduct scientific research together with international organizations, leading clinics of the world, including medical scientists from the Federal Republic of Germany, to identify acute manifestations of diabetes mellitus, congenital deafness, diseases of the eyes, nasopharynx, musculoskeletal system, circulatory system and prevention of childhood obesity. In this direction, with the participation of foreign specialists, it is necessary to carry out planned work on the prevention, early detection and effective treatment of diseases, the head of state said.

In accordance with the “National strategy of Turkmenistan on early child development for 2020-2025”, the activities to provide young children with high-quality medical services, healthy nutrition, preschool education are successfully continuing, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.

Particular attention is paid to the development of comprehensive cooperation with other states of the world, major international and regional organizations. The most important areas of this partnership are the protection of the health of young citizens, their education and upbringing on the basis of moral and democratic norms of mankind, the protection of the interests and rights of women and children.

In this context, we strive to join efforts with the United Nations Children's Fund, the head of state said. Joining the Universal Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Hague Convention on the International Civil Aspects of Child Abduction confirms the responsible approach of Turkmenistan to fulfill its obligations.

In partnership with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, joint seminars and meetings are held in our country, effective results have been obtained in the field of salt fortification with iodine, flour with iron and folic acid. The election of Turkmenistan to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund for 2018-2020 and the Commission on the Status of Women for 2018-2022 demonstrates the success of cooperation with the United Nations.

And in the future, in the framework of interaction with the Children's Fund, the Population Fund and the UN World Health Organization, we will implement an integrated approach to protecting the health of mothers and children, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

In an era of power and happiness, the leader of the nation said, an all-encompassing system of medical and social services designed for young people has been formed. Our independent, permanently neutral state has literally become a country of happy childhood. Work on the implementation of humanistic principles will continue.

In Turkmenistan, attention will continue to be paid at the state level to the harmonious development of the young generation, the creation of all opportunities for proper recreation, integration into world science and artistic creativity.

Noting that a decision was made to build a Children's Center in the new administrative center of the Ahal velayat, the head of state stressed that the conditions provided for in this complex must meet the requirements of today, the high spirit of a powerful state. Along with recreation, it is necessary to create opportunities here so that children can acquire skills in the specialties they are interested in.

In order to ensure social security of the younger generation, support children left without parental care, a Charitable Foundation has been created to provide assistance to such children, including those with disabilities.

Ensuring a happy life, modern education for our children - the bright future of an independent Motherland, their upbringing in the spirit of patriotism and humanism is a great goal and guarantee of the power, progress and prosperity of the Motherland, said the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Then the floor was given to the head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in our country, Mrs. Christine Weigand, who expressed her gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity to take part in an important event on the occasion of the International Children's Day and celebrate this holiday together with children in Scientific -clinical center for maternal and child health.

It was emphasized that one of the main rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is his right to health. Health and wellness of the children are the main focus of UNICEF's work in Turkmenistan, in close collaboration with the country's Ministry of Health and Medical Industry.

Speaking about the successes achieved in Turkmenistan, Ms. Christine Weigand highlighted the activities of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, including the early development and early rehabilitation of children.

In short, the issue of early child development is one of the most important in the 21st century, which is reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in the implementation of which Turkmenistan participates.

In part, this Agenda is designed to help children with disabilities. Since 2011, UNICEF has been supporting Turkmenistan to create a new early rehabilitation system. In 2015, on the basis of this Center, a department of primary early rehabilitation was created.

Turkmenistan, the head of the UNICEF office emphasized, is among the leaders carrying out significant work in this direction. And systematically continues to create a system of assistance at an early stage of child development, as well as digitalize monitoring of child development (GMCD).

I would like to note, said Ms. Christine Weigand, that the institutions of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan are making every effort to improve the neonatal examination system and help children with hearing impairments. Designed to help identify developmental delays at an early stage and take preventive action quickly, this program will become a priority.

Work in this direction is, of course, part of the National Strategy for Early Childhood Development for 2020-2025, approved by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the end of 2019, which aims to ensure equal access to basic quality services in the field of health, nutrition, protection and early learning, which meets their development needs.

The training of highly qualified specialists based on international best practices and standards is a key vector of this Strategy, which is the goal of UNICEF's joint work with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry.

UNICEF is ready to fully support the creation of a national team of specialists, including pediatricians, physiotherapists, speech therapists and psychologists, said a representative of the United Nations Children's Fund.

The National Early Childhood Development Strategy emphasizes the important role of parents, guardians and families in participating in a child's life from the moment they are born, and encourages them to take care of their children. UNICEF works closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Education, the State Committee on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, the Union of Women and the

Media to provide mothers and fathers with the latest knowledge about parenting. In addition to the opportunities that digitalization opens up for this area of work, said Ms Christine Weigand, we are ready to further expand this support by introducing innovative tools such as digital applications to quickly and efficiently provide useful information and resources to parents and caregivers.

Turning to the field of child health more broadly, it should be noted that the new Strategy for reproductive, maternal and newborn health, which is currently under development, will be an important milestone as it will serve as a guide for all relevant professionals. to focus on achieving the health SDGs for Turkmenistan by 2030.

As it was announced, UNICEF is ready to further assist the work of the Government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan to introduce international standards and best practices and improve the quality of services, increase the potential of medical personnel at all levels, including highly qualified specialized workers.

- We intend to continue to work together to improve the health system and scale up the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) approach,” said Ms Christine Weigand. - And finally, which is very important for children's health, I would like to highlight the extremely successful cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF over the past 12 years in the field of immunization.

Fully funded domestically, the procurement of vaccines and universal immunization coverage in Turkmenistan is another example of the Government's continued efforts to prioritize child health, the head of UNICEF said.

UNICEF welcomed the National Program for Healthy Nutrition of the Population for 2020-2025 adopted in Turkmenistan in early 2020, which is very important for the optimal development of children, Ms. Christine Weigand also noted.
At the same time, it was emphasized that the progress of Turkmenistan in the field of exclusive breastfeeding is the highest in the region.

UNICEF supports Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure the development of nutritional management and food systems in 8 countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus through a platform for nutrition and cooperation in the Central Asia and Caucasus region, Ms. Christine Weigand said further.

Having once again emphasized the importance of the UN Convention governing the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children, the head of the Children's Fund's office noted with satisfaction that, within the framework of the new five-year Program, UNICEF's cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of education has significantly expanded. This Program will include many key areas of work, such as the quality of education, as well as digital and distance education.

“The area that I would like to highlight here,” said Ms. Christine Weigand, “is the joint work of UNICEF and the Ministry of Education on environmental education, which began several years ago. We have developed curricula and manuals on climate change, environment and energy, and trained teachers in interactive teaching methods, making Turkmenistan a leader in environmental education for children.

“We look forward to using this experience and jointly developing and implementing the concept of a “green school” to support the Government's efforts to ensure the protection of the environment and a sustainable future,” said the head of the UNICEF office.

It was also noted that the National Action Plan for the Realization of the Rights of the Child in Turkmenistan for 2018-2022 remains a key document for the work of all national partners, as well as UNICEF.

“Here I would like to quote the Turkmen proverb “Honey is sweet, and a child is sweeter than honey,” said Ms. Christine Weigand. Thanking President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the constant support of important joint work, the head of the UNICEF office in our country confirmed her readiness for further fruitful cooperation with Turkmenistan.

Concluding her speech, Mrs. Christine Weigand congratulated everyone on a wonderful holiday - International Children's Day.

Thanking Mrs. Christina Weigand for the informative speech, the leader of the nation gave the floor to the Minister of Health and Medical Industry N. Amannepesov.

As noted in the report, in accordance with the long-term “Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country for 2019–2025” and the new version of the Saglyk State Program, a lot of work is being done in the country aimed at protecting the health of mothers and children, providing high-quality medical services women in the reproductive period, raising the culture of the family.

Significant financial resources have been invested and used in this area, including to strengthen the material and technical base of specialized medical institutions. Modern specialized medical facilities have been built throughout the country. As an example, the minister cited the Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health for 670 beds located in the capital, Ene mähri centers in the velayats and Ashgabat, a specialized neuropsychiatric orphanage in the Yolotan etrap of Mary velayat, Mary velayat children's hospital and other diagnostic centers, and noted that work in this direction continues.

Children's health centers were opened in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone, as well as in Gokder and the regions, which provide all conditions for improving the health of children, including those with disabilities.
Recently, the President of the country made a historic decision to build a Children's Center on the territory of the new modern administrative center of the Ahal velayat.

According to the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, a Charitable Foundation was established to provide assistance to children in need of guardianship.

Issues related to the health and nutrition of mothers and children occupy one of the key places in the protection of public health. In this regard, a number of programs were adopted and successfully implemented.

In this context, based on the instructions of the head of state, health-improving and preventive measures are being carried out among schoolchildren, as well as systematic monitoring of their health has been established.

As the minister emphasized, as a result of the complex work in the past few years, a solid base has been formed to protect the health of mothers and children.

In turn, Minister of Education O. Gurbanov, who spoke, emphasized that wide opportunities are being created in our country for bringing up a physically strong, spiritually rich generation, getting them education, for an interesting, exciting pastime, good rest.

In a short period by historical standards, secondary and higher educational institutions, kindergartens that meet international standards, children's health centers have been built, and this work continues.

Cooperation with major international organizations is being consistently strengthened countries of the world, as well as advanced educational centers, joint projects and programs are being successfully implemented to improve the quality of education and upbringing of children.

The work carried out in the national education system at the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is evidence of the dynamic development of this sphere, as well as its confident integration into the global educational space, the minister stressed.

In special educational institutions, the necessary conditions are created for training, upbringing, adaptation in society, and strengthening the health of children with disabilities. In accordance with the accepted norms, these educational institutions are provided with food, educational equipment and supplies.

Guided by the tasks identified by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov regarding ensuring the harmonious development of the younger generation, the country's educational institutions attach great importance to the

regular enrichment of the content of education and upbringing based on the achievements of modern pedagogy and advanced experience.

Continuing the meeting, the leader of the nation noted that great importance should also be attached to the effective application of the achievements of modern science in solving the problems of education and health of the younger generation, as well as ecology and healthy nutrition.

In the matter of protecting maternal health, raising healthy children, there is a need for joint action by representatives of the education sector, the Women's Union. Carrying out agitation and propaganda activities in this direction, in strengthening health, as well as improving educational work are very important, the head of state said.

The President of the country stressed that it is necessary to comprehensively approach the issue of the successful implementation of the transformation program, bringing the country's education system in line with international standards. In this context, the head of state noted that work related to the education and upbringing of young people should be carried out on an integrated basis, and special attention should be paid to the introduction of advanced world experience in this area, giving the relevant leaders a number of specific instructions.

Then, addressing the audience, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan pays special attention to creating favorable conditions for the comprehensive development of the younger generation.

Caring for the health of children and ensuring their happy life is a priority of our state policy, the leader of the nation said.

Today, within the framework of the Country Program of the UN Children's Fund for Turkmenistan for 2021-2025, 12 annual work plans have been developed, which are being implemented in close cooperation with the relevant ministries and sectoral departments of the country. For this purpose, large sums of money were transferred to the UN Fund.

Over the years of this interaction, our country has successfully implemented joint projects and programs aimed at ensuring a happy and prosperous life for children and youth.

In Turkmenistan, the head of state continued, the system of protection of mothers and children is widely supported. A lot of work is being done to improve the health of the young generation, children are provided with healthy food. Measures are being consistently implemented to create conditions for them to receive modern education and ensure social security. All these activities are worthy of special attention.

Taking this opportunity, I want to reaffirm Turkmenistan's commitment to the observance of children's rights, as well as further cooperation with UNICEF for the benefit of development and a bright future for the whole world, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Noting the high activity of the UN Children's Fund in Turkmenistan, the head of state expressed gratitude to Mrs. Christine Weigand and the friendly staff of UNICEF for joint efforts and close cooperation with the Government of our country.

In conclusion, the leader of the nation once again from the bottom of his heart congratulated everyone on International Children's Day, wishing him good health, family well-being, a peaceful and happy life, and great success for the prosperity of a powerful state.

“Let the joyful laughter of a happy generation always sound!” President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.