Turkmenistan at the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva

21 May

On 19–20 May 2025, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Health and Medical Industry, Mr. Murat Mammedov, participated in the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), held in Geneva. The country's participation marked another step in strengthening Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of health and reaffirmed its active role on the global stage.

During the plenary session of the Assembly, an important Declaration on Pandemic Preparedness and Response was adopted, emphasizing the need for global solidarity, stronger health systems, and enhanced societal resilience to future challenges.

In his address, Minister Murat Mammedov underscored the significance of international cooperation and highlighted Turkmenistan's contributions to achieving sustainable development in the healthcare sector. He outlined the following key priorities:

development of primary healthcare and disease prevention;
improving the qualifications of medical personnel;
digitalization of the healthcare system;
preparedness for emergencies and epidemiological threats.

Special emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of permanent neutrality and international solidarity. The Minister recalled that 2025 has been declared the Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Turkmenistan, which was supported through a relevant resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

As part of WHA-78, important bilateral meetings were held to strengthen cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and its institutions.

On 19 May 2025, Minister Murat Mammedov met with the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral collaboration, noting the positive dynamics in their engagement.

Special attention was given to Turkmenistan's public health initiatives, including noncommunicable disease prevention, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the development of medical education. The Minister conveyed an official invitation from the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Director-General of WHO to participate in the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which will be celebrated on 12 December 2025.

In response, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Turkmen side on the adoption of the UN resolution proclaiming 2025 as the Year of Peace and Trust, and expressed readiness to further strengthen the partnership.

On 20 May 2025, Minister Mammedov also met with Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, including joint events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of neutrality, as well as the celebration of Health Workers’ Day in Turkmenistan.

Both sides confirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation and implementing joint projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency of national health systems and promoting public health across the region.