Event highlights
From 3 to 5 November 2025, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan conducted a training on influenza and acute respiratory infection diagnostics using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for laboratory specialists from virology laboratories across Turkmenistan.
The training took place at the Public Health and Nutrition Center, under the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. It was delivered by nationally trained experts from the National Influenza Center (the Virology Reference Laboratory of the Public Health and Nutrition Center) as part of the partnership contribution to the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework action plan.
The training focused on strengthening national capacity for virological surveillance of influenza and other respiratory pathogens, enhancing early detection and response to potential future outbreaks.
The training brought together participants from the Public Health and Nutrition Center, the Special Center for the Prevention of Dangerous Infectious, as well as virology laboratories in the Ahal, Arkadag, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayat sanitary and epidemiological services.
During the 3-day course, participants gained theoretical and practical skills in PCR-based diagnostics, including sessions on the introduction and theory of PCR, PCR practice for influenza and analysis of results. The training concluded with skill reinforcement exercises designed to ensure the participants’ ability to apply the new techniques in their respective laboratories.
This initiative is a part of WHO’s continued support for the Government of Turkmenistan in strengthening national laboratory systems, improving surveillance of influenza and other respiratory infections and ensuring pandemic influenza preparedness by building stronger and more resilient country capacities.