Turkmenistan, UNICEF Renew Pact to Protect Children with Vaccines Through 2028

The Turkmen government and UNICEF have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership to safeguard children from preventable diseases by signing a new agreement for the procurement of vaccines and immunization supplies for 2026-2028.

The signing ceremony took place at the Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the National Day of Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers, highlighting the vital contributions of doctors, nurses, and health professionals in protecting the health of children and families throughout Turkmenistan, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.

For more than three decades, Turkmenistan has maintained a strong and sustainable national immunization program that ensures free and equitable access to life-saving vaccines. Since joining the Vaccine Independence Initiative in 1994 and achieving full self-financing of vaccine procurement through UNICEF by 2006, the country has consistently secured a reliable supply of WHO-prequalified vaccines and safe injection equipment. This commitment has ensured uninterrupted vaccine quality and availability, even amid global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today’s agreement reaffirms the enduring collaboration between UNICEF and the Government of Turkmenistan to protect every child,” said Jalpa Ratna, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. “It also reflects Turkmenistan’s commitment to building a resilient health system that delivers sustainable benefits to children, families, and communities.”

Turkmenistan continues strengthening its immunization efforts by regularly updating its national vaccine schedule in line with global health recommendations. The recent approval of the 2025 vaccine schedule, including the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine, marks an important advancement in protecting children’s health.

With an annual vaccine procurement budget exceeding USD 17 million, Turkmenistan stands as a regional leader in sustainable vaccine financing, underscoring the government’s dedication to securing the health of its youngest citizens.

UNICEF supports Turkmenistan through technical expertise, access to global vaccine supply networks, and policy guidance to ensure that investments in child health align with the country’s broader sustainable development goals.

The agreement comes during a landmark year as Turkmenistan marks 30 years of permanent neutrality and the Year of Peace and Trust - values that continue to guide its engagement in multilateral partnerships. Together, UNICEF and Turkmenistan remain committed to enhancing immunization, advancing child health, and building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for every child.