The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $75 million equivalent loan and a $2 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) to enhance the quantity and quality of nurses and midwives in Turkmenistan. The Improving Nursing Quality and Capacity Project marks ADB’s first health sector initiative in the country. According to Artur Andrysiak, ADB Country Director for Turkmenistan, the project aims to provide high-quality, people-centered health services and ensure equitable access to care by strengthening the nursing profession and education. This initiative also signifies the deepening partnership between ADB and Turkmenistan, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of their collaboration.
The Turkmenistan government is committed to improving health service delivery and enhancing the education, qualifications, and numbers of healthcare professionals. Nurses, as a critical first point of contact in health facilities, will be empowered to provide high-quality and preventive care, contributing to better overall health outcomes in the country.
The project will support the design and construction of a climate-resilient Ashgabat Nursing School with modern facilities, including dormitories, a mother-friendly room, and an edible garden promoting healthy diets and nutrition. The school will feature interactive and clinical learning spaces, simulation labs, and new teaching and medical equipment to facilitate hands-on education.
Additionally, the initiative will improve nursing education and training by upskilling faculty and senior nurses, modernizing teaching methods, and updating curricula to meet international standards. The project aims to strengthen the role of nurses in service delivery and enhance human resource management within the health sector.
The total project cost is $98 million equivalent, including $23 million in government counterpart financing. ADB has been a long-term development partner in Turkmenistan, supporting the country’s efforts to become more sustainable, climate-resilient, and competitive. ADB continues to drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific by leveraging innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to improve lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect the environment.
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