Ashgabat, 23 August 2011 – Experts from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Mother and Child Healthcare Centre, Medical University and medical colleges had a two day introduction workshop on the early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities. The UNICEF supported workshop was facilitated by Doctor Danius Puras, the international expert in children’s developmental issues, who briefed the audience on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child and particularly emphasized an importance of the early intervention in reducing or eliminating developmental challenges children may face.

Doctor Puras gave an overview of the health care, education and social protection of children with disabilities and minimal standards for care the governments should comply with. Participants have also learned about the role of national and local authorities, professionals and parents in care of children with disabilities that can and must create favourable conditions for children’s development through health, education and social care.

Doctor Puras has shared an experience of early intervention services for children with disabilities in his native Lithuania. He stressed on the strong support of parents and professional groups. Workshop participants have also discussed how to create opportunities for developmental paediatrics and early intervention services in Turkmenistan.

An early signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Turkmenistan has committed to the advancement of rights of people with disabilities. UNICEF actively supports the Government of Turkmenistan in promoting the rights of children with disabilities through review of legislation, capacity development, and cultural interventions. This year, UNICEF assisted the Government of Turkmenistan in conducting CRPD orientation sessions for government officials and specialists from various sectors. UNICEF also supported the State Puppet Theatre’s country wide tour with the play "Childhood Rainbow" and adapted the CRPD for children.

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For more information please contact:

Ms. Shafag Rahimova
UNICEF Health and Nutrition Specialist
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Ms. Gulyalek Soltanova
UNICEF Communication Officer
Phone: +99312 425681/82/85/86
Fax: +99312 420830
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Web: http://www.unicef.org/turkmenistan