Central Asia strengthens cooperation for human, animal, and ecosystem health.
A new stage of regional cooperation
On October 30, 2025, the first meeting of the Regional Coordination Council (RCC) of the “One Health” Program began in Dushanbe, within the framework of the first Regional Conference of the “One Health” for Pandemic Prevention, Food Systems Resilience, and Ecosystem Health in the Central Asia Program.
Dr. Batyr Mamedov, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), opened the meeting, noting that the establishment of the RCC will be a key step in institutionalizing the “One Health” approach in the region.
The meeting was moderated by Oxana Kravtsova, manager of the CAREC's “One Health” project.
The focus on structure, objectives, and work plan
The Regulations on the Regional Coordinating Council, including its powers, tasks, and functions, will be presented during the meeting. The participants will review and discuss the proposed work plan of the Secretariat for the first twelve months of the project implementation.
The Central Asian countries are expected to submit their comments and suggestions on the work plan, expected results, and the concept of the “One Health” regional platform. Following the discussion, the participants will determine further steps to coordinate joint actions and agree on the date of the next meeting of the Council.
Representation of countries and partners
The meeting is attended by representatives of ministries and departments of Central Asian countries, as well as international organizations and development partners.
Turkmenistan is represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Nury Jumashov, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan - Arslan Soltanmyradov, representative of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan - Ashirmurad Klychev, representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan - Begench Duradymyradov, as well as Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan - Mergen Kepbanov.
In addition, Maral Chommadova, Coordinator of the Regional Action Plan for the “One Health” program, gave a presentation at the meeting, outlining key areas for joint action to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation and develop the “One Health” platform in Central Asia.
“The Council will become a permanent platform for sharing experiences, coordinating actions, and jointly responding to challenges facing Central Asian countries in the field of health and environmental protection”, — noted Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
Continuation of cooperation
The launch of the Regional “One Health” Coordination Council marks the start of a permanent mechanism for cooperation between Central Asian countries to strengthen pandemic prevention, food security, and ecosystem sustainability.
The role of CAREC
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), with its longstanding experience in coordinating regional initiatives in the field of ecology, water resources, and sustainable development, serves as the regional secretariat for the project and coordinator within the framework of the World Bank’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program (HEPR).
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov - Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org