The WHO head in Turkmenistan: about Present and Future Cooperation
Reference Laboratory of Virology as part of the Centre for Public Health and Food of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of Turkmenistan received a status (of the National Influenza Centre (NIC), recognized by the World Health Organization and at the same time a status of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System member.
– This is an important event that shows the great work, conducted by the country in the field of influenza control. Turkmenistan has fulfilled all obligations and requirements to become an important part of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, said the head of the WHO country office Paulina Karwowska at the ceremony of awarding certificate of NIC recognition.
Official recognition of NIC, the institutions, responsible for laboratory surveillance of influenza, on the part of WHO is valid for one year. The status will be reviewed annually on the basis of established criteria and the results of the annual compliance review of the NIC.
Today the World Health Organization held another important event – a high-level meeting on universal health coverage, convened by the President of the UN General Assembly in New York, which the Turkmen delegation participated as well.
- We are very pleased that Turkmenistan is also represented at this important event that shows the country’s interest in health issues worldwide, comments Karwowska.
According to the head of the WHO office in Turkmenistan, since the country’s accession to this specialized Agency of the UN, the parties have very fruitful and effective cooperation. It includes such important health issues as infectious and non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage.
- Our cooperation is concentrated on those priority areas in which WHO and Turkmenistan can join forces for the benefit of the Turkmen people’s health. Today’s event is proof of successful cooperation, - emphasized Paulina Karwowska.
- Now we are working on defining priority areas of cooperation for 2020-2021. The main focus will be on non-communicable diseases. Turkmenistan is a leader in this area, she added, referring to the prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WHO.
