Berdimuhamedov proposed expanding work on studying the gene pool of the coronavirus and diseases caused by the infection.
On August 7, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held an online meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus. They discussed several important issues in the fight against the novel coronavirus. It was reported by the «Turkmenistan Today» state news agency.
Berdimuhamedov highlighted the effectiveness of the «Health» state program, which was adopted 25 years ago. The parties agreed that it is necessary to expand ties in the field of science diplomacy to exchange the experience among medical scientists and relevant specialists.
The Turkmen leader reminded that the government approved the national plan on preparedness to countering COVID-19 on May 22. According to him, in this direction, the emphasis is placed on strengthening the material and technical basis of hospitals.
Berdimuhamedov also added that quarantine centers were put into operation in the country to treat citizens with similar symptoms of an acute infectious disease. Moreover, a general medical examination of people is carried out in all regions.
The president marked that the Turkmen authorities supported the WHO proposal to create a platform for access to technologies to fight COVID-19 (C-TAP).
According to Berdimuhamedov, it is necessary to systematically conduct scientific researches on the mutation of the virus and its new stamps. He outlined the importance of creating a program to study the gene pool of the coronavirus.
The Turkmen leader said that the disease with symptoms of pneumonia of unknown etymology is rapidly spreading in the region. In this regard, the head of the state pointed out the importance of developing a regional method to fight the disease.
Gebreyesus agreed with Berdimuhamedov and marked the effective work of the health care system in Turkmenistan.
After a conversation with the WHO Director-General, the Turkmen leader instructed the head of the MFA Rashid Meredov and Health Minister Nurmuhammed Amannepesov to expand cooperation with international organizations to fight coronavirus.
It should be mentioned that at the moment no cases of COVID-19 are reported in the country. On July 15, 2020, at a briefing the head of the WHO mission, Catherine Smallwood noted a favorable epidemiological situation in Turkmenistan.
