A national high-level roundtable titled “Strengthening support systems for exclusive breastfeeding” was held in Ashgabat. The event was organized by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship together with the UNICEF Representative Office in Turkmenistan. The meeting was dedicated to discussing the work carried out in the field of maternal and child health protection and identifying further areas of activity, Turkmen state media reported on Wednesday.
Vice President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, relevant state bodies, higher education institutions, public organizations, mass media, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, international financial organizations, as well as diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan attended the event.
In her speech, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that supporting breastfeeding is important for the healthy development of children and the future of society. “Breastfeeding is a unique process that requires a high level of responsibility. Women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period should regularly receive quality consultations and practical assistance. Support for breastfeeding increases children’s protection, nutrition and development, strengthens mothers’ health and reduces healthcare costs,” Oguljahan Atabayeva expressed.
The roundtable discussed the work carried out within the framework of Turkmenistan’s state policy on maternal and child health protection, as well as the importance of the National Program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030. The program is aimed at developing pediatrics, introducing modern methods of early disease detection, strengthening preventive measures and protecting the institution of the family.
The activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship were also highlighted. Through the foundation’s funds, assistance is provided to children requiring specialized medical care, complex surgeries are financed, and children’s hospital departments are equipped with modern medical equipment, ambulances and necessary medical supplies.
Participants also discussed work carried out within the framework of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with UNICEF, including ensuring proper child nutrition, developing immunization programs and improving the qualifications of medical workers. It was emphasized that raising public awareness and expanding family support services are important for promoting breastfeeding.
Summing up the meeting, Oguljahan Atabayeva highlighted the importance of further work to promote exclusive breastfeeding and the need for joint efforts in this area, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of the exchange of views. The Vice President of the Foundation thanked all national and foreign partners for their active participation and attention to this issue and called on everyone to continue joint efforts for the bright future of children.
