Press Release

Government of Turkmenistan and UN experts Discuss Strengthening SDG Health Data Reporting

24 July 2026

Ashgabat, 23 July 2026 – Representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, and the State Committee on Statistics of Turkmenistan, together with technical experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other United Nations agencies convened in a hybrid format for a technical working meeting dedicated to addressing discrepancies and data gaps in reporting on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) health indicators. The meeting was organized with the support of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and is taking place as part of the preparations for the third Voluntary National Review.

The meeting provided a platform for national institutions and international technical experts to exchange knowledge and review reporting methodologies for number of SDG 3 health indicators. Discussions focused on improving the consistency, completeness and comparability of health statistics reported at the national and international levels, thereby strengthening the quality of evidence available for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Throughout the meeting, participants examined indicators related to universal health service coverage, tuberculosis and hepatitis B incidence, the health workforce, maternal, under-five and neonatal mortality, financial protection in health, and tobacco use prevalence. Technical sessions were facilitated by experts from WHO, UNICEF and other United Nations agencies in close collaboration with representatives of the relevant national institutions.

Reliable and high-quality data are essential for evidence-based policymaking and for measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued technical cooperation between national stakeholders and international partners to strengthen statistical reporting systems and enhance the quality of health-related SDG indicators. The event concluded with a discussion of the next steps for continued collaboration.