The International forum of medical scientists “Health diplomacy is the foundation of a healthy world” took place in a hybrid format at the Yyldyz hotel in Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat on Friday. The event, timed to coincide with the Day of Healthcare Workers and the Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, was organized by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the official Turkmen media reports.
The event, held in four sessions, was attended by high-ranking healthcare officials and representatives of the scientific intelligentsia from 15 countries, heads and representatives of leading international organizations, including the UN and WHO.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ashgabat, Turkmen and foreign journalists also took part in forum.
The address by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the forum participants was read at the beginning of the forum.
In his address, the Head of State said the health diplomacy, intended to promote a constructive international partnership and exchange of practical achievements in the field of medicine, is currently gaining special importance as one of the priority factors in the development of modern medical science.
The WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge emphasizing in his speech the relevance of the event organized by the Turkmen government, said this platform provides a good opportunity to assess the achieved level of interaction, as well as exchange views on topical issues in healthcare, particularly in the fight against the current pandemic.
The forum participants discussed a wide range of issues related to medical diplomacy in the fight against infectious diseases, the role of digitalization in healthcare, the COVAX mechanism, and other topics that are crucial for ensuring public healthcare and contributing to the sustainable development of modern medicine. Particular attention was paid to the role of international health regulations in countering the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speakers, sharing their experience, said one of the important elements that increased the effectiveness of the fight against such a threat as COVID-19 was pooled information funds, to which everyone could access through health diplomacy.
The participants emphasized the successfully implementation of health programs in Turkmenistan in accordance with WHO recommendations and many projects to protect human health in close cooperation with international partners.
On Thursday in Ashgabat, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge. During the meeting, the Turkmen side confirmed its commitment to further develop and strengthen cooperation with the world health body.
