Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 14 September 2026. The Second Regional Conference of the One Health Programme opened today in Bishkek. Taking place on 14–15 September 2026, the conference brings together representatives of government authorities from Central Asian countries, international organizations, and members of the scientific and expert communities.
The conference is part of the project “One Health for Pandemic Prevention, Resilient Food Systems and Healthy Ecosystems in Central Asia (Phase 1)”. The programme includes the fourth meeting of the Regional One Health Coordination Council (ROHCC), a meeting on programme implementation and management, and the Regional One Health Science Day.
The current conference continues the regional dialogue launched at the First Regional Conference on One Health, held in Dushanbe in October 2025, and marks the transition from programme development to practical implementation.The conference is jointly organized by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), and the World Bank, in cooperation with the One Health Committee under the Coordination Council for Public Health of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The conference focuses on strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and closer coordination between the human health, animal health and environmental sectors. During the conference, participants are discussing the prevention of zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, the impacts of climate change, scientific cooperation, and ways to strengthen regional coordination mechanisms.
Turkmenistan Represented by an Interagency Delegation
An interagency delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the Second Regional Conference on One Health. The delegation includes representatives of relevant government authorities, CAREC and national media organizations.
Turkmenistan is represented at the event by:
· Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan,
· Maral Chommadova, Coordinator of the Regional One Health Action Plan,
· Allanazar Kajarov, Representative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and National One Health Coordinator for Turkmenistan,
· Suleyman Durdyyev, представитель Министерства финансов и экономики ТуркменистанRepresentative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan,
· Bibigozel Durdykova, Representative of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
The participation of Turkmenistan is also being covered by representatives of national media:
· Resul Dovletmuradov, Representative of the “Turkmenportal” information and services web portal,
· Altyn Amanmyradova, Representative of the “Business Turkmenistan” news website,
· Eziz Ovezov, Representative of the “Takyk” news portal.
The conference is also attended by representatives of international organizations, scientific and partner institutions, including Shirin Karryyeva, Representative of Conservation X Labs in Turkmenistan.
Presenting Turkmenistan’s Position and National Priorities
On the first day of the conference, the plenary session “Implementation of the One Health Approach in Central Asia: Progress, Partnerships and Prospects for Cooperation” was held. During the session, the countries of the region presented the progress made and plans under their respective national programmes.
Turkmenistan is represented at the session by Allanazar Kajarov, Leading Specialist of the Department of State Environmental Impact Assessment, Licensing, Environmental Certification and Permitting of the Environmental Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, and National One Health Coordinator.
The regional discussion covers the progress achieved by the countries of the region, national plans, coordination issues, and prospects for further implementation of the One Health approach in Central Asia. Participants are also discussing the activities of the Regional Secretariat, progress made by the Regional One Health Coordination Council, and opportunities for further cooperation with international partners.
Particular attention on the first day is being paid to the practical aspects of programme implementation. Parallel sessions cover financial management, procurement and the utilization of funds, management of multisectoral activities, communication and stakeholder engagement, as well as the national challenges and needs of the Central Asian countries.
At the same time, the fourth meeting of the Regional One Health Coordination Council is taking place. Its agenda includes progress reports from national coordination structures, consideration of the Regional Work Plan, and discussion of strategic priorities for 2027.
The participation of the Turkmen delegation in the conference provides additional opportunities to expand professional contacts, exchange experience and further develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the countries of Central Asia, CAREC, the World Bank, and other international partners in implementing the One Health approach.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org