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Press Release
27 November 2023
National partners review institutional and practical aspects of systemic integration and use of gender-sensitive approaches in migration management
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Press Release
23 November 2023
Control antibiotic misuse or the drugs won’t work, warn WHO experts
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Press Release
23 November 2023
New WHO campaign highlights tobacco industry tactics to influence public health policies
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Turkmenistan:
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19 May 2020
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06 November 2023
The young generation of Turkmenistan is ready to contribute to solving issues related to climate change
The Government of Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Turkmenistan, the Embassies of Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates, organized the National Conference of Youth on climate change. The event, held on November 3, 2023 in Ashgabat, was an important milestone in educating the youth of Turkmenistan on critical climate issues and turning them into active partners in the global fight against climate change.
The Conference of Youth on climate change, which was attended by more than 200 young people from all over Turkmenistan, was held in anticipation of the global Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the UN Framework Convention on climate change. The purpose of the conference was to raise awareness among younger generations about climate change, its impact on socio-economic development and environmental sustainability and biodiversity, as well as to develop common approaches to the implementation of advanced solutions that promote adaptation to and mitigation of climate change-related impacts.
One of the innovations of the annual Youth Climate Conference this year was the holding of regional meetings in the cities of Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat, which expanded the scope of the conference beyond the capital. Young SDGs Ambassadors and environmental activists interacted with youth from these regions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and providing an opportunity for the most active participants to show their projects at the final conference.
During the discussions, the youth of Turkmenistan showed their determination to become active participants in the global movement to prevent further climate change. An assessment was made of the progress made since the second Local Conference of Youth on climate change (LCOY), held in Ashgabat in 2022. In addition, representatives of Turkmen youth prepared proposals for future projects in Turkmenistan, which became part of the Roadmap for 2024.
The Conference of Youth on climate change also contributed to the creation of a robust network of highly motivated youth climate change activists from across Turkmenistan. This network aims to expand, strengthen and provide further support to projects of young people, promote cooperation and knowledge exchange, and will become a platform for promoting climate action in Turkmenistan and beyond.
Based on the results of discussions at the conference, the final National statement of the Youth of Turkmenistan was adopted. This statement reflects the requests of the youth of Turkmenistan and the views of young participants on the UNFCCC processes, national policy issues and other topics related to climate change in Turkmenistan and in the world. The National Youth Statement will be launched at COY18 and will form part of the official YOUNGO global position at COP28 in Dubai.
The final Conference of Youth on climate change in Turkmenistan represents a significant step forward in empowering youth and mobilizing their collective efforts to combat climate change.
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The Conference of Youth (COY) is an annual event that brings together young people from around the world to discuss and address issues related to climate change. COY18 is the 18th conference and will serve as a platform for youth engagement and activation ahead of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The UN Framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty aimed at preventing dangerous anthropogenic impacts on the climate system. It provides a framework for international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The highest decision-making body under the UNFCCC is the Conference of the parties.
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17 October 2023
Empowering the Turkmen youth: Conference of Youth on Climate Change focuses on water resources
In the run-up to the Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a Conference of Youth on Climate Change was held in Turkmenistan, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates, the UN Mission in Turkmenistan. The event, which took place at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi in Turkmenabat, was dedicated to youth participation in discussions on the impacts of climate change on water resources in the Central Asian region, and in particular, the Amy Darya River.
The Youth Change on Climate Conference was designed to inspire young leaders from Turkmenistan to actively participate in processes where their views and proposals can be heard by regional leaders and decision-makers. The event highlighted the critical importance of addressing the impact of climate change on water resources, which is a vital issue for the sustainability and future well-being of the region.
The conference brought together Representatives of various UN agencies, representatives of the British Embassy and the Deputy Head of Mission to Turkmenistan Mr. Martin Walley, representatives of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, lecturers and students of the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi, as well as national partners: specialists of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, educational centers, and experts on climate change and environmental protection, including representatives of public organizations.
As part of the discussions, young speakers presented several interesting topics, including “Promoting sustainable agricultural development and food security by improving sustainable water management”, “Promoting sustainable and circular consumption”, and “Water safety and efficiency”. During the discussions, interesting points were made about the relationship between climate change, water resources, sustainable agriculture, and responsible consumption. Moreover, discussions on topics related to environmental education took place at the conference as well. Participants emphasized the need to develop environmental education, which is the key to solving the problem of climate change.
The Conference once again emphasized the role of the younger generation as a key partner in the fight against climate change, inspired young people of Turkmenistan to actively participate in projects to combat climate change, and provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve the main issues related to climate change affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. By giving young people the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas, the Conference promoted dialogue and cooperation to solve the urgent problem of the impact of climate change on water resources, as well as the accessibility of environmental education for all, and became an important step in empowering the new generation to actively participate in shaping a sustainable and viable future for their country and the whole world.
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Story
12 October 2023
On the way to COP28: youth of Turkmenistan discuss green energy projects
In the lead up to the Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a Conference of Youth on Climate Change was held in Turkmenistan, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Office of UNICEF in Turkmenistan and the Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates. The event, held at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in Mary, was aimed at turning the youth of Turkmenistan into active partners in the global fight against climate change.
The Conference of Youth on Climate Change was designed to inspire young leaders to take an active role in solving problems related to climate change, to make decisions in the field of renewable energy sources, and to support initiatives to create "green hydrogen". By attracting the youth of Turkmenistan, the conference sought to ignite a passion for combating climate change and instill a sense of responsibility for environmental sustainability.
The conference was attended by young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, representatives of various UN agencies, representatives of the British Embassy and Ambassador Mr. Stephen Conlon, representatives of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, as well as national partners: specialists of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, educational centers, and experts on climate change and environmental protection, including representatives of public organizations.
The conference featured young, dynamic speakers who touched on such important topics as “Promoting green, sustainable, and modern energy and technology.” These discussions provided valuable insights into the innovative approaches and technologies needed to effectively combat climate change.
A conference for children on climate change organized at the Algorithm Educational Center in Mary became an important event. For the first time in Central Asia, schoolchildren took part in the Conference, and their older comrades, young experts, and a specialist from the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan told them about the main problems associated with climate change, instilling in them a sense of environmental responsibility from a very early age. The children's conference on climate change was organized by the Government of Turkmenistan together with the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan.
The conference highlighted the role of the younger generation as a key partner in the fight against climate change, inspired young people of Turkmenistan to actively participate in projects aimed at combating climate change, and provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve key climate change issues affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. By promoting dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical experience, the conference served as a platform that inspired meaningful change at both the local and global levels.
In a world facing ever-growing environmental challenges, and with youth as the key to a sustainable future, the Conference of Youth on Climate Change was a testament to the determination and enthusiasm of Turkmenistan's youth to create a greener and more sustainable planet.
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Story
04 October 2023
The Conference of Youth on Climate Change provides an opportunity for future leaders of Turkmenistan
Ahead of the Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a Conference of Youth on Climate Change was held in Turkmenistan, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and the Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates. The event, which took place at the prestigious Turkmen State Agricultural Institute in Dashoguz, brought together young people from all over the velayat to discuss vital environmental issues and explore opportunities for youth participation in the fight against climate change.
The Conference of Youth on Climate Change is aimed at empowering and educating the youth of Turkmenistan on crucial environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable agriculture, the Aral Sea crisis, and adaptation of agriculture to climate change. The event became a platform for the exchange of experience, capacity building, and developing innovative solutions to solve global problems.
The conference was attended by young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, and representatives of the Embassies of Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates as well as national partners, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, educational centers, experts, specialists on climate change and environmental protection, and representatives of public organizations.
Conference attendees engaged in lively discussions and knowledge sharing through practical workshops, in which they gained the knowledge necessary to create positive change in the community. They stressed the importance of aligning local efforts with international commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement, to build a more sustainable future.
The conference, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrated the desire of youth to contribute to the fight against climate change and solving environmental issues both locally and globally, and promoted an inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to solving these complex problems.
The conference highlighted the role of the younger generation as a key partner in the fight against climate change, inspired young people of Turkmenistan to actively participate in projects aimed at combating climate change, and also provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve key climate change issues affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. The success of the Conference of Youth on Climate Change was evidence of the unwavering commitment of the youth of Turkmenistan to address urgent problems related to the climate crisis, and it is clear that the enthusiasm, innovation, and determination of young leaders will play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future for Turkmenistan and the world.
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Story
04 October 2023
Second Inclusive Festival "WE ARE DIFFERENT – WE ARE EQUAL" Unites 300 Participants in Ashgabat
On September 30, about 300 people gathered at the second Inclusive Festival “WE ARE DIFFERENT – WE ARE EQUAL” in Ashgabat as a part of a global initiative dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
The Festival provided a forum to celebrate the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in public life. Participants took part in different sport, art and intellectual activities: volleyball, goalball, table tennis, chess, rock climbing, games for families, contests of drawing, quizzes on migration, art and crafts. The music and dance performances, and exhibitions of art and crafts made by people with disabilities made the Festival brighter and more cheerful.
“Young people with disabilities have played a key role in raising public awareness about disability issues and promoting an inclusive and open society,”- said Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan at the opening ceremony of the Inclusive Festival.
The Festival was organized by the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan jointly with civil society organizations with the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Committee on Sports and Physical Culture of Turkmenistan. The public organizations included National Red Crescent, Central Physical and Sports Club of the Disabled of Turkmenistan, Center for Support of People with Disabilities, Deaf and Blind Society of Turkmenistan, Agama, Yenme, Recovery and Rehabilitation center, Young Naturalist and UN Young SDG Ambassadors. Private sector also supported the Festival.
“The annual inclusive Festival proved that this is a great, welcome celebration of inclusivity, equality and dignity of everyone. It was very interesting, and we had a great time together. There are many bright, happy memories of this event,” shared Shabibi Osmanova, a representative of the Society of deaf and blind people of Turkmenistan, graduate of the OHCHR School for Advocacy and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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The Festival is implemented as part of the global awareness campaign on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), that will be celebrated on December 10, 2023. The Human Rights 75 initiative is coordinated by the UN Human Rights Office.
#HumanRights75
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Press Release
27 November 2023
National partners review institutional and practical aspects of systemic integration and use of gender-sensitive approaches in migration management
The training participants reviewed issues relating to strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders in systemic integration and use of gender-sensitive approaches in the porcess of development of migration-related public policies and national action plans, as well as relevant methodologies, monitoring and reporting tools for gender and human rights mainstreaming, gender stereotypes and overcoming gender bias, assessing gender results, incorporating gender-sensitive indicators in labour migration, data collection and use.
“The topic of training is very important, as it helps to understand the critical issues of gender sensitivity in labor migration, aspects of impact of changes in the social, economic sphere, as well as in the legislative documents. It is advisable to include this course in the training program for public associations, community leaders in the regions,” Leila Toilieva from “Ynamly Egindesh” public association said.
The training participants also familiarized themselves with the factors of vulnerability and needs of families and children affected by migration that should be taken into consideration in developing mechanisms to support persons affected by migration and ensuring their security in migration processes.
On the outcomes of training, the participants developed a “road map” for implementation of the acquired knowledge and skills.
This training was organized as part of the IOM regional project “Protection of Vulnerable Migrants with Special Emphasis on Empowering Women in the Context of Migration in Central Asia” funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IOM contact person in Turkmenistan:
Nargiza Davletova, NGO Coordinator
Phone: +99312 48-84-07, email: ndavletova@iom.int
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Press Release
23 November 2023
Control antibiotic misuse or the drugs won’t work, warn WHO experts
Copenhagen, 23 November 2023 - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the ten major global public health threats, with an estimated 5 million deaths annually associated with bacterial AMR worldwide, of which more than half a million occur in the WHO European Region, comprising 53 Member States in Europe and Central Asia.
AMR occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to resist the antimicrobial drugs that are typically used to kill them and treat infections. There are different types of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics for bacteria, antivirals for viruses, and antifungals for fungi, each targeting specific types of microorganisms. While AMR is a natural phenomenon, the development and spread of superbugs is being accelerated by the misuse of antimicrobials, rendering infections more challenging to treat effectively.
The alarming reality is that, without immediate intervention, AMR could result in up to 10 million deaths a year by 2050. Moreover, this burden falls disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, exacerbating global health inequalities.
New data
WHO/Europe has conducted a standardized survey across more than a dozen countries of the WHO European Region, namely in the Western Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia (including Türkiye), shedding light on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours surrounding antibiotic use and AMR. The survey is the first of its kind to be conducted in these countries, all of whom gave the research their full support. The results have been published in the journal Frontiers. The survey used the same methodology and questions as an established survey that is periodically carried out in the EU. Conducting surveys in this way, in close collaboration with the European Commission, enables WHO to achieve its goal of having a pan-European overview. Having a clear picture of the current situation makes it possible to monitor progress and evaluate interventions in the future.
The survey involved 8,221 participants from 14 countries, half of whom reported taking oral antibiotics in the past 12 months. Medical practitioners prescribed or directly administered the majority (67%) of the antibiotics. The reasons cited for taking the antibiotics included colds (24%), flu-like symptoms (16%), sore throat (21%) and cough (18%). This gives cause for concern because these symptoms are often caused by viruses against which antibiotics are not effective. Medical expertise is essential to make a correct diagnosis to determine whether antibiotics are the correct course of treatment.
The survey further highlighted a lack of enforcement around the use of a medical prescription for every course of antibiotics. Across the 14 countries, a third (33%) of respondents consumed antibiotics without a medical prescription. In some countries more than 40% of the antibiotics were obtained without medical advice. In contrast, the equivalent survey conducted across the EU in 2022 revealed that only 8% of respondents consumed antibiotics without a prescription.
WHO/Europe’s survey also highlights gaps in people’s knowledge. Just 16% of respondents were able to respond correctly to all of four awareness questions, which could indicate that people are taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons without realizing it. A majority of respondents (67%) were aware that unnecessary use of antibiotics can make them less effective, however nearly half of the respondents (43%) incorrectly said antibiotics are effective against viruses (they are not).
Equally worrisome is the fact that only 37% (and just 23% in the EU research) reported receiving any information about the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for clearer and more targeted public health communication.
“This research clearly shows the need for education and awareness raising,” said Robb Butler, WHO/Europe’s Director for Communicable Diseases, Environment and Health. “All countries in our Region have regulations in place to protect precious antibiotics from misuse, for example preventing over the counter sales without prescription. Enforcing these regulations would solve most antibiotic misuse among humans. Other drivers of AMR have their roots in the social and cultural norms learned in communities, for example not completing a course of antibiotics in order to save some for the next time you fall ill or share with a sick relative or neighbour. This learned behaviour can take time to change and it’s imperative that behavioural and cultural insights are used to the full when planning interventions.”
Behavioural and cultural insights
As global efforts to control AMR intensify, social and behavioural sciences are emerging as crucial, yet underutilized areas of knowledge and expertise that can guide interventions in AMR control, radically increasing impact.
“The use of antimicrobial medicines is intrinsically tied to human behaviour and deeply entrenched in social and cultural contexts, shaped by our attitudes, policies, and available choices,” commented Dr Danilo Lo Fo Wong, Regional Adviser for the control of antimicrobial resistance. “Conserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines requires interventions at many levels, such as timely vaccination, improving hygiene or reducing inappropriate prescribing. Behavioural science and cultural context analysis have a pivotal role to play in understanding and addressing all these behaviours. They can provide critical insights into the barriers and drivers of behaviour, aiding in the development of effective interventions. We encourage and support countries to design and conducting targeted behavioural interventions, using the guidance provided in our ‘Tailoring antimicrobial resistance programme’.”
ENDS
Link to newly published ‘WHO Europe Antimicrobial Consumption report 2020-2021’ https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289060042
Link to article on Roadmap adoption: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/26-10-2023-countries-in-the-who-european-region-commit-to-action-on-antimicrobial-resistance-by-endorsing-a-new-european-roadmap
Link to global BCI resolution: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/20-06-2023-new-global-resolution-calls-for-establishment-of-behavioural-science-units-or-teams
Link to regional BCI resolution: https://www.who.int/europe/teams/behavioural-and-cultural-insights
Notes to editors:
Countries participating in the WHO/Europe survey: Albania (ALB), Armenia (ARM), Azerbaijan (AZB), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), Belarus (BLR), Georgia (GEO), Kazakhstan (KAZ), Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), Montenegro (MNE), North Macedonia (MKD), Republic of Moldova (MDA), Tajikistan (TJK), Türkiye (TUR) and Uzbekistan (UZB).
To address the lack of data on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour from the above-mentioned countries, the WHO Regional Office for Europe conducted a survey using the same questionnaire used by the European Commission for the Eurobarometer survey, Antimicrobial Resistance - November 2022 - - Eurobarometer survey (europa.eu), which is conducted regularly, most recently in 2022. The survey aims to establish harmonized baseline data on KAB (knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours) on antibiotic use and AMR in 14 WHO European Region Member States. The data are expected to support participating Member States in the development of targeted awareness raising and education interventions, and subsequently the evaluation of their impact. This survey combined with the Eurobarometer data gives WHO/Europe a pan-European overview making it possible to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Several factors contribute to the development and spread of AMR including: the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in the human health, veterinary and agricultural sectors; inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for both humans and animals; suboptimal infection prevention and control practices in health-care facilities and farms; limited availability of quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; inadequate awareness and knowledge among healthcare providers and the public; and inadequate enforcement of legislation to regulate antimicrobial use.
A 2022 study in the Lancet estimated 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019 worldwide. Likewise, more than 35,000 people reportedly die from antimicrobial-resistant infections in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) annually while another publication estimated 541,000 deaths associated with bacterial AMR and 133 000 deaths attributable to bacterial AMR in the WHO European Region in 2019.
'One Health' is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment. It is particularly important to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to global health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. One Health involves the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors. The One Health approach is particularly relevant for food and water safety, nutrition, the control of zoonoses (diseases that can spread between animals and humans, such as flu, rabies, and Rift Valley fever), pollution management, and combatting antimicrobial resistance (the emergence of microbes that are resistant to antibiotic therapy).
Press contacts:
Stephanie Brickman, brickmans@who.int
Bhanu Bhatnagar, bbhatnagar@who.int
Press Office, eupress@who.int
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Press Release
23 November 2023
New WHO campaign highlights tobacco industry tactics to influence public health policies
This campaign is supported by new evidence from “The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023”, published by STOP and the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, which shows that efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference have deteriorated around the world.
WHO’s campaign aims to amplify youth voices, expose tobacco industry tactics and increase public awareness on the need to defend health policies and protect the health of future generations.
Youth groups around the world called on countries to “...adopt decisions that shield us from the manipulative practices of tobacco and related industries.”
“WHO stands with young people globally who have demanded governments protect them against a deadly industry that targets them with new harmful products while outright lying about the health impacts. We call on all countries to safeguard health policies from this deadly industry by not letting them have a seat at the policy-making table,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion, WHO.
The tobacco industry tries to interfere with countries’ right to protect people’s health by taking governments to court, or offering financial and in-kind incentives to be able to influence tobacco control policies, even at the upcoming WHO FCTC Conference of Parties. WHO supports countries in defending evidenced based tobacco control measures in the face of industry interference.
The tobacco industry continues to lie to the public, using different ways to spread misinformation, including through:
Front groups and third parties
Social media influencers
Sponsored events
Funding scientists and biased research
Supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives
Recognizing the tobacco industry’s relentless efforts to market its products to vulnerable groups, especially young people, WHO is committed to expose the industry's attempts to weaken health policies and call on policy makers to stand firm against tobacco industry influence. There are 183 Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that have committed to do this under the global health treaty.
The tobacco industry has a long history of lying to the public, even insisting that smoking does not cause lung cancer. Today we know that tobacco causes 25% of all cancers and kills over 8 million people each year, but the industry persists with marketing what they call ‘new’ and ‘safer’ products that we know are harmful to health, while still producing trillions of cigarettes each year.
With half of smokers dying prematurely because of tobacco smoking, the maintenance of the tobacco and nicotine market relies heavily on recruiting new, young users, and tobacco companies employ multiple tactics to gain the trust and interest of young people at an early age.
Menthol and flavoured cigarettes and candy-flavored e-cigarettes with eye-catching designs have further contributed to the popularization of these products among the young generation, all while leaving many consumers largely unaware of the negative effects on their health.
The tobacco industry invests enormous amounts of money in lobbying against tobacco control policies and funds organizations that promote its interests.
These tobacco tactics, when left unchecked, inflict immeasurable harm on public health. Moreover, the production and use of tobacco and nicotine products have a cascading damaging effect on other critical issues such as the environment, mental health, and child labor.\
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Press Release
23 November 2023
IOM presents gender- and age-sensitive assessment of national legal framework on countering human trafficking to national partners
Based on the assessment findings, members of the Interdepartmental Working Group reviewed IOM’s recommendations for improvement of the national legal framework on countering human trafficking in compliance with the international standards and best practices. The recommendations specifically covered the areas relating to criminalization of trafficking in persons and related offenses, investigation and prosecution, victim identification, status and access to support services, as well as prevention of human trafficking through safe migration and socio-economic empowerment of women and youth.
The presentation of recommendations also featured examples of best practices on countering human trafficking from Asia and Europe that focus on survivor-centered approach in identification, referral, prosecution, protection and rehabilitation of trafficking survivors. According to IOM’s international expert Ms. Irina Urumova, who conducted the assessment, “Turkmenistan has key legal provisions in place on countering human trafficking, yet there is still a room for further improvement to ensure that the relevant legal framework is enforceable, which requires strong supporting regulations.”
The presentation participants also reviewed issues relating to interagency cooperation and promoting the greater engagement of civil society stakeholders in combatting human trafficking. The event was a good opportunity to gain valuable insights into the capacity building needs of relevant government agencies and civil society stakeholders that will inform the design of capacity building activities for relevant national partners and stakeholders.
The assessment findings will also inform the ongoing work on development of the new National Action Plan on countering human trafficking with the support of IOM in Turkmenistan.
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The International Organization for Migration has been working in Turkmenistan since 1997. IOM is one of the key partners of Turkmenistan in combatting trafficking in persons. Two previous National Action Plans of Turkmenistan on Combatting Trafficking in Persons (2016-2018, 2020- 2022) were developed and implemented with the support of IOM in Turkmenistan.
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Press Release
17 November 2023
WHO to provide technical advisory support on mhGAP-IG mental health program implementation in Turkmenistan
The visit aimed at providing technical advisory support in the implementation of the mhGAP-IG (Mental Health Action Gap) program in Turkmenistan.
Additionally, the visit included piloting of the mhGAP-IG program at the International Traumatology Center, introducing the EQUIP program (ensuring quality provision of psychological support) and conducting a 6-day training on mhGAP-IG during the period of November 13-18, 2023.
The comprehensive training led by Dr. Peter Hughes aimed at enhancing the capacity of the family doctors, neurologists, and psychiatrists in the area of mental health providing psychological support to the patients. At the beginning of the training the participants took a pre-test to check their level of knowledge in mhGAP prior to the training. The participants of the training included representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, International Center for Traumatology, Center for the Prevention of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction and Mental Illnesses, Turkmen State Medical University named after M. Garryyev as well as family doctors and neurologists from the health houses responsible for the implementation of mhGAP-IG in the country. Following the training, cascade trainings and supportive supervision will be implemented to ensure the effective dissemination of the knowledge gained at mhGAP training program.
Over the course of the 6-day training various topics, including introduction to the mhGAP manual and pedagogical skills for addressing borderline disorders such as depression, neuroses, stress, child and adolescent mental health, epilepsy, depression, suicide prevention, dementia was covered. Following the training, the participants took part in Q&A session and took post-training test to assess their skills after the training. At the end of the training the participants were awarded with the attendance certificates of recognition for successful completion of the training from WHO CO in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
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