The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Turkmenistan in strengthening its national and regional laboratory capacity for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A technical advisory mission from the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) is currently in the country, conducting work from October 26 to 31, 2026.

The mission aims to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of laboratory specialists in the field of AMR surveillance, while also strengthening intersectoral cooperation mechanisms regarding biosafety, in line with the "One Health" approach.

As part of the mission, WHO experts will meet with the leadership of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of Turkmenistan to assess progress in building national capacity and to identify future priorities for developing laboratory competencies. A visit to the bacteriology reference laboratory at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition is also scheduled.

A key component of the mission was a four-day training course focused on the core functions and analytical capabilities of the WHONET software platform. The training helped laboratory specialists refine their skills in entering and analyzing laboratory data, thereby supporting AMR surveillance efforts.

Reliable laboratory data and effective information sharing are essential for identifying AMR trends, making informed public health decisions, and improving preparedness for biological threats. Thus, developing laboratory capacity and fostering collaboration across relevant sectors are key elements of the "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The training was organized as part of a multi-country project titled "Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in Central Asia using a 'One Health' Approach," funded by the Pandemic Fund. The project assists countries in the region in strengthening their capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health threats through cross-sectoral collaboration.

The training course focused on implementing software within the national surveillance system for AMR, with support from the WHO/Europe.

Through this technical cooperation, the WHO continues to support Turkmenistan’s efforts to strengthen laboratory systems, improve AMR surveillance, and implement the "One Health" approach to protect public health.