UNICEF Regional Director ends historic visit to TurkmenistanAshgabat, Turkmenistan, 4 November 2004 – UNICEF Regional Director Maria Calivis ended her four day official visit to Turkmenistan on Thursday at a reception hosted for high-ranking government officials, diplomats, members of international development agencies and the media. Calivis began her first ever visit to Turkmenistan on Monday when she met H.E. Mr Ovezgeldy Ataev, Chairman of the Medjlis, to congratulate the Government of Turkmenistan on achieving universal salt iodisation (USI). Ms Calivis presented Mr Ataev with an award on behalf of UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) in recognition of the Government’s success. Commenting on the award, Calivis, who is UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltics, said: “USI is the most effective way to protect children from iodine deficiency – the world’s leading cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage. So this award is a major milestone for Turkmenistan. This is the first country in Central Asia to reach this target. “I congratulate the government for its efforts on USI. Such investment in children is an investment in the future, and is to be commended.” Turkmenistan’s USI campaign began more than a decade ago, with the President playing a key role in pushing for optimum iodine nutrition, including a 1996 decree enforcing the use of iodized salt countrywide. UNICEF, which this year celebrates ten years of work in Turkmenistan, has supported government efforts by conducting surveys and providing technical assistance, while the US government has donated more than $200,000 to the USI programme. Calivis also held meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and at the Ministry of Health during her visit, and travelled to Dashoguz velayat on Wednesday to meet high-ranking officials and see several UNICEF-assisted projects there. After visiting one school in this northern province, Calivis said: “I’ve been impressed by the talent and creativity of the children I’ve met. They are no doubt the future for this country.” For further information:
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