UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, has successfully installed two new oxygen plants at key healthcare facilities in the country. These plants are now operational at the Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health in Ashgabat and the Mother and Child Health Hospital in Dashoguz, an area severely impacted by the Aral Sea crisis.

This initiative significantly expands oxygen therapy services in Turkmenistan, providing crucial support for treating respiratory illnesses and improving overall health outcomes for mothers and children. Oxygen is a vital medical resource essential for managing a range of health conditions and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment.

UNICEF’s support encompasses procuring, installing, and providing technical assistance to ensure the new plants are seamlessly integrated into Turkmenistan’s national healthcare system. This effort builds on previous collaborations, including the delivery of three oxygen plants during the global COVID-19 pandemic to bolster the country’s health system preparedness.

“Increasing oxygen availability can have a lifesaving impact on maternal, newborn, and child health and contribute towards meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. Moving forward, UNICEF will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry to incorporate up-to-date respiratory therapy techniques into clinical care training programs,” Alexandru Nartea, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Turkmenistan, highlighted the impact of the new facilities.