WHO Helped Strengthen Biosafety in Laboratories of Turkmenistan
A large-scale five-day training course for specialists from the country’s leading medical and veterinary laboratories, including the National Influenza Center, has concluded in Ashgabat. Organized with the support of the WHO, the event focused on protecting the population from potential pandemics and biological threats.
During the seminar, international experts trained Turkmen specialists in the safe transport of hazardous biological materials in accordance with strict international standards. Turkmenistan will now establish its own pool of certified trainers who will be able to oversee these processes within the country and coordinate the shipment of materials at the international level.
Special attention was given to developing action plans for emergency situations. Doctors and veterinarians reviewed mechanisms for rapid response, the distribution of responsibilities during crises, and ways to ensure the continuity of laboratory operations during outbreaks of dangerous diseases. Specialists from Tajikistan also shared their practical experience with participants.
The course was conducted by leading experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and WHO country offices. At the end of the program, Turkmen specialists successfully passed the final examination and received international certificates authorizing them to act as officially designated shippers of dangerous medical materials.
This initiative will significantly enhance the preparedness of Turkmenistan’s healthcare system for emergency situations. The modernization of laboratory operations will enable faster detection of threats and help protect public health in line with international best practices.
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