The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed an additional $500,000 to support Turkmenistan’s COVID-19 prevention efforts, bringing the total U.S. Government resources made available to all partners in Turkmenistan to $1.42 million. The additional funding will be provided to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan to improve risk communication and infection prevention and control efforts. These efforts, implemented in cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan, will align with Turkmenistan’s Preparedness Plan for Combatting Acute Infectious Disease and Implementing Rapid Response Measures, US Embassy in Turkmenistan reports. 

In close partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, USAID identified priority response areas. Through UNICEF, USAID will continue working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Education to promote proper hygiene practices and provide additional supplies for the prevention of COVID-19 in schools and other facilities. UNICEF will also deliver tailored training for frontline workers in healthcare facilities to prevent and control infectious diseases.

Turkmenistan has not announced any confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders but has implemented measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for potential confirmed cases in the future. USAID will support campaigns to inform children, families, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on hygiene and the importance of handwashing to prevent COVID-19 and acute respiratory infections.

Over the past 20 years, the United States has partnered closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and local partners to implement bilateral and regional programs totaling more than $207 million, including over $21 million in health programs.