Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, August 19 – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have launched a three-day training on “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” for 30 leading healthcare professionals from across Turkmenistan. The first-of-its-kind training is taking place on 19–21 August 2026 in Ashgabat and brings together chief therapists, obstetricians and gynecologists, reproductive health specialists, and family medicine experts from all five velayats, Ashgabat, and Arkadag city.
The training forms part of UNDP/UNFPA’s support to strengthening inclusive and people-centred healthcare services in Turkmenistan. The initiative follows the recommendations of the 2024 “Qualitative assessment of community participation, human rights and gender perspectives in the context of tuberculosis in Turkmenistan”, which identified the need to strengthen healthcare professionals’ capacity to address gender- and human rights-related barriers to accessing health services. The learning module for this training was developed based on the recommendations of the assessment, with the aim of strengthening healthcare professionals’ practical knowledge and skills to apply a gender-responsive approach to healthcare services delivery.
Throughout the seminar, participants explore practical approaches to integrating gender-responsive and human rights-based principles into healthcare delivery. The programme focuses on effective gender-sensitive patient communication, reducing stigma and discrimination, and ensuring that healthcare services respond to the diverse needs of women and girls as well as men and boys while promoting equitable access to quality care.
By investing in the professional development of healthcare workers, UNDP and UNFPA continue to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in strengthening the national health system. This joint initiative reflects the UN’s commitment to advancing gender equality, improving the quality of healthcare services, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through strong partnerships and evidence-based interventions.
“Delivering quality healthcare means supporting those in need. By strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals, we contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and people-centered health system where everyone can access services with dignity and respect,” said Mary Risaeva, UNDP Officer-in-Charge in Turkmenistan. ///nCa, 19 August 2026 (in cooperation with UNDP Turkmenistan)