Event highlights
The WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan conducted a workshop on joint risk assessment (JRA) for zoonotic diseases within the One Health framework.
Held at the Public Health and Nutrition Center in Ashgabat the workshop focused on equipping national experts with practical skills to apply WHO’s standardized tools and methodologies for JRA of zoonotic diseases. By bringing together specialists from the health, veterinary and environmental sectors, the workshop supported a comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing emerging health threats. The training was organized within the framework of the Pandemic Fund project “Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Pandemics within the Framework of the One Health Initiative in Central Asia”, underscoring Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening global health security.
The workshop introduced the One Health approach and its application in zoonotic disease risk management, along with step-by-step guidance on implementing the JRA tool at national and subnational levels. It also supported the establishment of a multisectoral steering group responsible for identifying priority zoonotic diseases and coordinating JRA activities. Participants were introduced to international best practices and resources that could support more effective preparedness and response measures.
The technical advisory mission included leading experts in the field: Peter Sousa Hoejskov, Technical Officer for Food Safety and Zoonotic Diseases, WHO/Europe and Dr Rustam Ikramov, WHO expert and National IHR [International Health Regulations] Coordinator in Uzbekistan. Throughout the training, these specialists guided participants through interactive sessions, practical exercises and collaborative planning designed to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacity for integrated risk assessment.
The workshop concluded with the establishment of a trained national team capable of conducting JRA for zoonotic diseases in Turkmenistan. It also served as a platform to strengthen coordination among health, veterinary and environmental sectors, contributing to improved pandemic preparedness and resilience.