Turkmenistan coronavirus

At the end of the day the WHO has to deal with Turkmenistan as it is. That doesn't mean sharp critiques of both aren't also necessary.

The World Bank approved a COVID-19 loan for Turkmenistan, despite journalists reporting on the pandemic there being thrown in jail.

ASAP or maybe never: In August, the WHO wanted to visit Turkmenistan ASAP to test suspected COVID-19 samples. To date, no new mission has taken place.

The Turkmen government’s inconsistent messaging about the nature and nearness of the COVID-19 pandemic threat has doomed its citizens to confusion and death.

The hottest air is coming from the Turkmen government, paranoid about admitting COVID-19 is in the country.

An adviser to the Turkmen president and a Turkish diplomat have reportedly died from pneumonia this week.

But what will the WHO find? The WHO has been unwilling to criticize countries about their pandemic responses, but has been quick to praise them. 

Turkmenistan’s denial of the virus’ presence in the country has inevitably cost lives. Not naming it doesn’t make it go away.

Turkmenistan says it is COVID-19 free, but the virus, analysts say, is impacting the country whether Ashgabat admits its presence or not.

If Ashgabat simply moves the sick away from designated quarantine zones, will it fool the WHO?

This year the celebrations were different, though how different depends on your source.