From June 27 to 29 , a technical advisory mission led by experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and organized by the WHO Country Office took place in Turkmenistan.
The aim of the mission was to support national efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, with a particular focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
During the two-day visit, WHO experts held a series of strategic meetings with technical units of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. Discussions focused on the country's experience and achievements in implementing previous programs aimed at combating COPD and asthma.
The mission also included consultations with public health officials and visits to selected primary health care facilities and hospitals selected to implement patient pathways across the continuum of care, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, care, pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care.
On June 28, the International Scientific and Clinical Center of Physiology in Ashgabat hosted a workshop that brought together national experts and healthcare professionals to analyze existing patient pathways and jointly develop improved clinical pathways for the management of patients with COPD and bronchial asthma. The discussions focused on the implementation of evidence-based practices and team models of patient management.
In addition, the mission provided technical support for the final review and adaptation of national clinical protocols in accordance with international standards and principles of evidence-based medicine, according to a WHO press release.
