The Yyldyz Hotel hosted the National High-Level Roundtable titled "Strengthening Support Systems for Exclusive Breastfeeding," organized by the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Country Office in Turkmenistan.
The large-scale event was attended by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, specialized institutions, higher educational establishments, public associations, mass media, international organizations—including the UN and its specialized agencies—major financial institutions, and diplomatic missions accredited in our country.
Maternal and child health care, being a priority vector of Turkmenistan's state policy, forms the foundation of the country's social strategy aimed at the harmonious development of society and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The forum served as an important platform to review the results of long-term work carried out in this vital sphere and to define new directions for activity.
The progressive reforms implemented in the national healthcare system under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reflect the core principle of Hero-Arkadag: "The State is for the Person!". Care for mothers and the younger generation is viewed not only as a medical task, but also as an essential prerequisite for long-term sustainable development.
The consistent improvement of the legal and regulatory framework governing relations in healthcare and the implementation of the National Program for Maternal and Child Health Care in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 "Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future" ensure the development of pediatrics, the introduction of innovative disease diagnostic and prevention methods, as well as the protection of the family institution.
The creation of high-tech medical infrastructure across the country clearly demonstrates the state's care for the growing generation. Maternal and child health centers built in the capital, the city of Arkadag, and in all velayats provide the population with medical services that meet high standards.
A special role in the social protection system of Turkmen citizens is assigned to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The Foundation provides support to children in difficult life situations who require specialized medical care. Hundreds of complex surgeries for sick children have been financed through the Foundation. The noble work carried out by the Foundation enables children to fully adapt to life and allows their parents to look to the future with confidence.
Furthermore, funds provided by the Foundation are used to equip children's departments of hospitals and specialized facilities with modern medical equipment, ambulances, and essential medical supplies.
Long-term fruitful cooperation with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) constitutes an important component of the achievements accomplished by Turkmenistan in this field. This strategic partnership covers a wide range of activities aimed at strengthening newborn health and supporting early childhood development.
Under joint work plans, programs for universal immunization and the implementation of child nutrition standards are being successfully carried out. UNICEF highly appreciates our country's achievements in preventing infectious diseases. At the same time, ongoing projects aim to improve national legislation on child rights protection and enhance the expertise of medical professionals and educators.
Establishing cooperation between the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the UN Children's Fund marks a qualitatively new stage in the development of the national social protection system. The officially established strategic partnership combines the Foundation's humanitarian activities with UNICEF's extensive expertise. Joint efforts focus on expanding access to high-tech medical care, introducing standards for early diagnosis of childhood diseases, and enhancing inclusive education programs.
Within this bilateral framework, consultations are held regularly, best practices are exchanged, and projects ensuring the rights and well-being of every child are actively implemented.
Welcoming the participants, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko [Note: Ms. Xiaojun Grace Wang] emphasized the significance of the event and expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan and the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for their support in organizing this important international forum.
The floor was then given to the Representative of the UN Children's Fund in Turkmenistan, Ms. Jalpa Ratna. Warmly greeting everyone, the Head of the Country Office noted that participating in the National Roundtable dedicated to strengthening support systems for exclusive breastfeeding is a great honor for UNICEF, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship for its partnership.
The floor was subsequently granted to Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who warmly welcomed those present and thanked them for attending the forum. Continuing her speech in English—one of the official UN languages—the Foundation's Vice President emphasized that today's event serves as another vivid example of productive cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, particularly UNICEF. Taking the opportunity, Oguljahan Atabayeva highlighted the hard work and dedication of the entire team, expressing gratitude for their efforts.
It was stressed that the goal of the forum is to raise awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, especially in Turkmenistan. In connection with World Breastfeeding Week taking place these days, it is essential to assess progress achieved in this area and outline future steps.
Maternal and child health care is among the highest priorities in our country. In accordance with the "Saglyk" State Program, comprehensive work is conducted in this domain and toward improving the culture of family relations. The adoption of the Law of Turkmenistan "On the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding" demonstrates the great attention paid by the state to this matter.
Large-scale efforts in this direction are carried out in alignment with the national principle "Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future." A key component of these measures includes actions taken at the national level to strengthen support for mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child's life.
A breastfed child maintains a continuous physical and emotional bond with the mother. The infant hears the mother's heartbeat and gentle voice, feels the warmth of her hands, and is enveloped in maternal love. Such closeness contributes to the proper age-appropriate development of the child's nervous and endocrine systems, as well as the normal development of all organs. Breastfeeding is a unique process requiring high responsibility.
Continuing her address, emphasis was placed on the key role of the healthcare sector. During pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, women must regularly receive high-quality counseling and practical assistance. Primary healthcare institutions play a central role in helping mothers overcome challenges and successfully establish breastfeeding.
Joint efforts are required in this direction. The Mejlis, government bodies, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, civil society, media, and development partners each play a role in creating an environment that enables mothers to make informed decisions regarding child feeding and receive necessary support.
"Indeed, investing in breastfeeding is an investment in the nation's future. Supporting breastfeeding strengthens child protection, improves nutrition, promotes development, enhances maternal health, reduces healthcare expenses, and contributes to building a healthier, more developed society," said Oguljahan Atabayeva. She underscored the need to draft specific measures to strengthen support systems for exclusive breastfeeding.
The Vice President of the Fund proposed organizing peer-to-peer consultations involving local mothers, noting that highly qualified nurses or lactation specialists could provide them with training. While such an approach is already practiced to some degree, it can be implemented systematically across all parts of our country, Oguljahan Atabayeva continued, adding that this requires dedicated effort and expressing confidence that the work can be fully realized.
Proposing a broader information campaign with active media participation, the Vice President of the Foundation noted the necessity of raising awareness about the special significance of breastfeeding within families and society, as well as encouraging local businesses to create favorable environments for nursing mothers.
"This requires strong willpower and dedication. Let us work together for the well-being of children, which begins with mother's milk!" concluded Oguljahan Atabayeva.
UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang thanked Oguljahan Atabayeva for her insightful address and highlighted the vital importance of the humanitarian work performed by the Foundation.
In statements by the Turkmen side, it was noted that exclusive breastfeeding, as one of the key public health priorities in our country, serves as an essential condition for proper nutrition and the healthy, harmonious development of every child.
It was emphasized that the state pays close attention to maternal and child healthcare. Currently, breastfeeding support is integrated into the maternal and child health services system, and healthcare workers' qualifications are continuously upgraded to support families and offer them high-quality counseling.
Speakers also noted that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and thanks to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, immense state-level attention is paid to protecting motherhood and childhood, strengthening the family institution, and raising a healthy generation.
It was highlighted that information and educational activities are systematically conducted in Turkmenistan among women and young families on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. A key role in this endeavor belongs to the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Following the speeches, video materials dedicated to supporting exclusive breastfeeding were presented, detailing the importance and benefits of feeding infants with breast milk.
The forum then proceeded with thematic sessions.
During the session "Breastfeeding in Turkmenistan: Data and Key Findings," research results conducted in this area were presented.
As part of the session "Results of the Joint Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign," attention was given to the outcomes of the "Breastfeeding – The Best Start" initiative organized jointly by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, UNICEF, the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Women's Union. Its primary objective was defined as raising awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child's life.
The session "Strengthening the Breastfeeding Support System" provided information on evidence-based benefits of breastfeeding and the results of related educational programs.
During the session "Legislative and Regulatory Framework," it was emphasized that the Constitution of Turkmenistan establishes: "Family, motherhood, fatherhood, and childhood are under the protection of the state." In this regard, it was noted that several legislative acts regulate parent and child rights protection in the country. Among them, the Law of Turkmenistan "On the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding" plays a central role, aiming to establish a unified legal basis for activities related to explaining the importance of breastfeeding and its positive impact on maternal and child health.
At the concluding session "Next Steps," the floor was given to Oguljahan Atabayeva, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Summarizing the outcomes of the forum, O. Atabayeva highlighted the significance of advancing work to promote exclusive breastfeeding and the necessity of joining efforts in this cause, expressing confidence that a fruitful exchange of views took place during the event.
Expressing gratitude to national and international partners for their active participation and attention to this issue, the Fund's Vice President called on everyone to continue making efforts in this direction and investing in the bright future of children.
Thus, the forum served as another testament to the immense importance attached by our country to maternal and child health protection, as well as to raising a spiritually and physically healthy generation.
