Event highlights
A technical advisory mission with experts from WHO headquarters and WHO/Europe was organized by the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan on 12–15 May 2025. This mission marked a significant milestone in enhancing the national seasonal influenza vaccination programme, as part of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework project in Turkmenistan.
The mission was led by experienced WHO experts Shoshanna Sterman Goldin, Ioana Ghiga and Pernille Jorgensen, who have extensive knowledge in pandemic preparedness and health emergencies. During the mission the experts collaborated closely with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, academia, health-care providers, vaccine administrators, vaccine supply departments, regulatory bodies and other sectors.
Turkmenistan became the first country in the WHO European Region to assess its national influenza vaccination programme using the FAIR tool (Facilitated Assessment of Influenza Vaccination Programme Review) and corresponding Maturity Matrix. The mission began with productive meetings involving key stakeholders to review the national influenza vaccination programme. These meetings fostered collaboration and gathered valuable insights from diverse perspectives, setting the stage for meaningful improvements. A central component of the mission was the pilot launch of the FAIR tool and Maturity Matrix, designed to identify areas within the national influenza vaccination programme that required special attention and action.
As part of the mission, the experts conducted a 1-day workshop with stakeholders to review the results of the application of the FAIR tool and Maturity Matrix. This workshop facilitated discussions, aligned recommendations and outlined the next steps for enhancing the national influenza vaccination programme. Additionally, to test the national deployment and vaccination plans for influenza and COVID-19, the experts conducted a tabletop simulation exercise. This exercise reviewed previous plans, identified areas needing revision and ensured preparedness for future pandemics.
The mission concluded with a detailed report that included the review process, recommendations and next steps. This report served as a valuable resource for developing the national influenza vaccination policy. Furthermore, the mission focused on determining additional WHO support for the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry in strengthening the national influenza vaccination programme and the national pandemic vaccine deployment plan.