WHO Updates Respiratory Disease Treatment Standards in Turkmenistan

From 10 to 15 October 2025, a technical mission of experts from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) took place in Ashgabat. The purpose of the visit was to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

During the mission, WHO specialists, together with national experts, revised and updated clinical guidelines for COPD and asthma, adapting them to current international standards. New clinical pathways were developed, focused on patient needs and aimed at improving the quality of medical care.

Particular attention was paid to the practical training of physicians. WHO experts conducted intensive training sessions in pulmonology and allergology at the International Physiological Scientific and Clinical Center, as well as at medical facilities in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat. The training aimed to strengthen national capacity for quality control and monitoring the effectiveness of respiratory disease treatment.

The mission concluded with a meeting of the national working group, which identified further steps for implementing updated clinical approaches throughout the country. WHO confirmed its commitment to continue supporting Turkmenistan in implementing programs to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases.

Source: THP