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USAID Information:
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Turkmenistan
EXAMPLES OF OUR IMPACT
- New USAID-supported tuberculosis control and treatment methods are available to 90 percent of the population.
- Through support to 11 public access computer centers, USAID enabled more than 16,000 people to access information.
- USAID has reached more than 300,000 mothers of small children with community health education.
USAID/CENTRAL ASIA SITE
http://centralasia.usaid.gov
CONTACTS
Regional Mission Director
Andrew Sisson
USAID/Central Asia
41 Kazibek bi St,
Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010
Tel: 7-727-250-76-12
Ashley Moretz
Country Program Officer
USAID
Business Center, A Block
1 Yunis Emre St, "Mir 2/1"
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744017
Tel: 993-12-456-130
Bob Wallin
Central Asia Team Leader
Tel: 202-712-0141
Email: bowallin@usaid.gov
 “Before my training I was subsisting on government support, but now I am earning money independently and can create a better life for myself,” says Lachin Yagshyeva, who is one of the many Turkmen who have been able to find employment or start their own businesses thanks to USAID’s Internet access and training program. The program teaches basic computer and Internet skills to such disadvantaged groups as women and the disabled. (Photo: IREX)
Overview
Turkmenistan is a strategically important state that can play a key role in promoting integration between South and Central Asia. Turkmenistan shares borders with countries of interest to the United States, such as Afghanistan and Iran, and its large hydrocarbon reserves make it a potentially pivotal supplier for regional and world markets. Recently, Turkmenistan has become more active in pursuing economic, health care, and education reforms and has expressed interest in adopting more international practices. Nevertheless, the country’s civic enfranchisement and engagement are in their initial stages, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) still face difficult registration rules, and firm control keeps civil society advocates in check. The USAID program in Turkmenistan supports economic, civil society, education, and health reforms.
Programs
Economic Growth: Private Sector Development
USAID trains and consults specialists in the banking sector, government agencies, and other institutions key to ensure sustainable economic development and growth in the country. USAID supports the Russian-language Certified International Professional Accountant program, which seeks to build local capacity to meet the technical and professional standards of the accounting profession. The program has trained over 1,500 Turkmen in international accounting standards since its inception (the country estimates that it needs 5,000 such specialists to implement international accounting standards effectively). USAID funds the country’s only market economics program for secondary school students. This program has taught more than 12,000 students – over 10 percent of high school students – the basics of business, banking, and economics. Specialized study tours and training programs within the region and to the United States foster a greater understanding of private sector development, microfinance, and business education among the specialists and government officials managing these areas.
Investing in People: Health Care
USAID helps the country adopt international health practices, approaches, and standards, with a focus on quality maternal and child health services. Through the summer of 2009, more than 80 percent of the country’s obstetricians, pediatricians, family doctors, and administrators in maternity facilities have received training on safer pregnancy and effective perinatal care. USAID has trained 25 percent of the country’s doctors and nurses in evidenced-based treatment methods for common childhood diseases (such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections), neonatal and antenatal care, and other skills. More than 300,000 mothers of small children have been taught about the treatment of common childhood illnesses, signs that a child needs a doctor’s attention, and other basic health care skills.
USAID supports implementation of the World Health Organization–recommended strategy for tuberculosis (TB) control. With USAID assistance, 90 percent of the population now has access to improved TB diagnostics and treatment that combines free TB medication, a shorter hospital stay, and outpatient care. Additionally, USAID helps improve blood screening to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne diseases and assists the Ministry of Health with its national HIV/AIDS strategy. USAID also supports Turkmenistan’s efforts to combat avian influenza.
Governing Justly and Democratically: Active Citizenry
USAID supports the development of civil society through training, specialist consultations, and access to legal information. This includes co-funding for small-scale community projects, such as reconstruction of road and water systems or renovation of schools and sports facilities, as well as assistance to strengthen relations between communities and their local governments. Through 2008, more than 15,000 community activists learned how to identify, plan, and manage community projects, fundraise, and engage with local authorities on solving issues of local importance. USAID also works with local organizations to expand legal advice to NGOs, the media, and other organizations. Through hotlines, a referral network, a mobile legal clinic, and professional skills development, USAID provided legal advice for more than 10,000 people across all five provinces of the country. Through support to 11 Internet and computer centers, USAID enabled more than 16,000 people across the country to gain computer skills or access the Internet. Additionally, USAID offers study tours in the United States for Turkmenistan’s business, community, and local government leaders to build lasting linkages.
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