A workshop dedicated to World Tuberculosis (TB) Day under the global theme “Yes! We can end TB!”, took place at the United Nations Building in Ashgabat. The event organized by World Health Organization Country Office (WHO CO) in Turkmenistan aimed to review achieved progress and strengthen further collaboration to accelerate TB elimination in Turkmenistan and the wider region, in line with global and regional targets for 2030.

The workshop was held in a hybrid format, bringing together experts from the World Health Organization, national health specialists and development partners.

Strengthening TB Control and Regional Cooperation

The first session highlighted the WHO’s strategic priorities to accelerate progress towards ending TB and other communicable diseases in the WHO European Region and Central Asia, including implementation of the Tuberculosis Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030, the global End TB Strategy, and the regional TB-Free Central Asia initiative. Experts discussed Turkmenistan’s transition from the National Strategic Plan for TB 2021–2025 to the national TB strategy for 2026–2030, regional efforts to achieve TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) targets by 2030, and the WHO/Europe’s efforts towards the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.

Reviewing National Progress and Innovative Approaches

The second session highlighted Turkmenistan’s progress towards achieving regional communicable disease targets by 2030. Presentations addressed innovative approaches to the early detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis, global and regional efforts to advance the development and introduction of new TB vaccines, and the country’s experience in operational research on the joint management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Participants also reviewed Turkmenistan’s achievements in addressing viral hepatitis B and the country’s contribution to the Global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections 2022–2030.

Role of International and Civil Society Partners

The third session focused on the role of international and non-governmental organizations in supporting the implementation of Turkmenistan’s National Tuberculosis Programme for 2026–2030 and other national communicable disease programmes. Representatives from the World Health Organization, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan presented ongoing initiatives and opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

The workshop concluded with a joint discussion on future priorities and next steps to accelerate progress towards ending TB and strengthening the response to communicable diseases in Turkmenistan and across the region.

World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise awareness about the global burden of TB and to mobilize political commitment and resources to end the TB epidemic.