On 21-22 July 2015 International Health Forum took place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the "Health" State Program of Turkmenistan.
WHO FCTC implementation results were announced at the meeting. Turkmenistan reached the lowest prevalence rate of tobacco use in the world (8% of cigarettes consumption among adults).
Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Head of the Convention Secretariat met with the Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan Dr Nurmuhammet Amannepesov and with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vepa Hadjievich Hadjiev to discuss treaty related matters and to congratulate the country for its success story.
Turkmenistan's ascension to the WHO FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is also a sign of the strong commitment and political will of the country in promoting a “Health” State.