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2007-08-23

The USAID-funded CAPACITY project begins HIV/ AIDS work in Turkmenistan

On August 2, 2007, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. A meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Health and public and international organizations aiming to discuss opportunities for cooperation among partners for support of implementation of the National Program on HIV/AIDS Prevention was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan with technical support of the CAPACITY Project.

During the meeting, participants had opportunities to discuss the draft of CAPACITY’s work plan which was developed jointly with the partners working in the area of HIV prevention. This work plan provides wide opportunities for partners for joint activities in increasing of level of awareness of the population, especially youth, on issues sexual education, in developing specific national programs and strategies, and in conducting trainings with participation of the national and international experts. CAPACITY is planning the implementation of its activities in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Prevention Center, youth and women’s unions as well as international organizations such as WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNODC, UNICEF, and MSF. After approval of its work plan by the Ministry of Health, the CAPACITY Project will start implementation of planned activities.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the US Agency for International Development signed in March 2007, the following areas are identified as priorities for the CAPACITY Project:

• improving stewardship of the National HIV/AIDS Program;
• improving the quality and results of prevention activities on HIV/STI prevention among vulnerable populations and
• improving quality of HIV/AIDS services including voluntary counseling and testing

In a presentation at the round table event, the Regional Director of the CAPACITY Project, Lev Khodakevich, has emphasized that strengthening of coordination among government, international, and public organizations with participation of media will facilitate the strengthening of the national health system. Also, he expressed gratitude to the government of Turkmenistan for the constant support and fruitful collaboration in the area of HIV prevention.

The CAPACITY Project believes that cooperative efforts among partners can result in the strengthening of national leadership for effective management of the National HIV and AIDS Program.

CAPACITY is one of the many projects made possible by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, in Turkmenistan. Since 1992, the American people through USAID have provided over $70 million in programs that help improve social services, expand access to information, and increase the development of markets and agriculture. USAID programs cooperate with ministries, governmental organizations, businesses, and communities to create jobs, increase incomes, improve professional knowledge, and better manage available resources.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries worldwide. Website: http://centralasia.usaid.gov

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. is a non-profit public health organization using practical and innovative approaches to improve the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.

If you have any questions or need additional information please refer to:
Sona Valiyeva
the CAPACITY Project Country representative
tel.: + (993) (12) 34–49–89 
e-mail:

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