United Nations in Uzbekistan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Uzbekistan:

Learn more

Publication

07 December 2025

UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework will guide the work of the UN system in Uzbekistan until 2030. This framework builds on the successes of our past cooperation and represents a joint commitment by
the Government of Uzbekistan and the UN system to work in close partnership for the achievement of the national priorities framed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1 of 5

Press Release

22 January 2026

UN and Partners Discuss Uzbekistan’s Vision for 2030

The discussion took place at a pivotal moment, following the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030 by the Government of Uzbekistan and the United Nations in October 2025. The new framework outlines shared priorities and collective commitments to advance sustainable development over the next five years.“The discussion of the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy is central to the operationalization of the UNSDCF 2026–2030,” said Sabine Machl, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. “Both frameworks are firmly grounded in people-centered development, evidence-based policymaking, and the principle of leaving no one behind. Their close sequencing offers a unique opportunity to translate long-term national ambitions into measurable and impactful results.”Participants highlighted the strong alignment between the draft strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly its focus on human development, inclusive economic growth, social protection, education, health, and environmental sustainability. These priorities reflect Uzbekistan’s broader reform agenda and its commitment to long-term planning and accountability. During the roundtable, UN agencies shared constructive, forward-looking observations aimed at further strengthening the strategy. Key areas of emphasis included enhancing alignment with the SDG framework and internationally recognized indicators; maintaining a clear distinction between high-level outcome indicators and sector-specific operational targets; strengthening the focus on quality, equity, and impact—especially for children, women, persons with disabilities, and groups at risk of being left behind; and reinforcing value-for-money and sustainability considerations.“These reflections are offered in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility,” Ms. Machl added. “Our common objective is to ensure that the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy serves as a robust, coherent, and future-oriented framework that effectively guides implementation across sectors.”The roundtable provided an open platform for dialogue and collaboration, enabling stakeholders to share perspectives and contribute to the refinement of the strategy ahead of its finalization.

1 of 5

Story

16 February 2026

“He suddenly smiled. That’s when we became truly happy”: healing childhood cancer in Uzbekistan

That was the beginning of their ordeal battling childhood cancer.A new WHO/Europe video follows Muhammadkhoja’s difficult path of healing and highlights Uzbekistan’s system of treating childhood cancer with quality-assured effective medicines, supported by WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.An MRI changed everything“At one point, Muhammadkhoja couldn’t even climb the stairs. We thought he was just getting tired in the heat. He became weak and lost weight. We thought it was worms. We treated him for worms for 5 days. The doctor said the worms were gone. But his walking got even worse,” his mother recalls.Within days, doctors confirmed a large brain tumour, and urgent surgery was recommended. The family had to decide where their son would receive treatment. Medical centres abroad offered care, and after acquaintances offered accommodation during the operation and rehabilitation period, the family chose to proceed with surgery outside the country.The operation lasted 2.5 hours. “He didn’t speak for 20 days,” says his mother. “He didn’t smile. He was afraid to walk.”Then, just before returning home, while speaking with relatives online, he suddenly smiled.“That’s when we became truly happy,” recalls his mother.Today, Muhammadkhoja is recovering. After the surgery, he returned home and completed radio- and chemotherapy courses in Uzbekistan. His treatment followed a structured international protocol.Muhammadkhoja’s story is at the heart of a new WHO/Europe video highlighting how Uzbekistan is strengthening its childhood cancer care system – and how that system is built to support children like him.Childhood cancer is different – and curableThe types of cancer that occur in childhood are quite different from those in adulthood. Childhood cancers are closely connected to genetic factors and, unlike many adult cancers, are not directly associated with lifestyle or environmental risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption or unhealthy diets. Childhood cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be cured.Today, most childhood cancers are curable with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Yet survival rates vary dramatically across the WHO European Region and globally. In well-resourced health systems, survival exceeds 80%. In other settings, where diagnosis is delayed, access to medicines is limited and health systems are unequipped for complex cancer care, survival rates can be below 30%.The right policies and close collaboration with the international health-care community can make a great difference.To reduce the burden of childhood cancer, countries need rapid diagnostic pathways, trained specialists in paediatric oncology, up-to-date treatment protocols, continuity of care and reliable access to quality-assured medicines.Uzbekistan has been working to strengthen each of these pillars.Building a system that saves livesUzbekistan is a focal country of the GICC, and in 2024 it joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.Through partnerships between WHO, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Pan-American Health Organization and national authorities, the country is building a more robust, sustainable childhood cancer care system.WHO/Europe has been working closely with the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan to enhance treatment protocols and align them with international standards, creating a system that works for every child.Muhammadkhoja’s family had to travel abroad at the time of the surgery; but looking forward, the goal is to ensure that children can receive high-quality care closer to home in Uzbekistan.

1 of 5

Story

05 February 2026

Bringing clarity, precision, and hope to cancer care for the people of Uzbekistan

“It requires several critical stages: precise early detection, carefully planned treatment, and the ability to manage complex cases. Without the right tools, it is impossible to address all these stages properly”.Today, with new technologies installed at the centers across Uzbekistan, this entire pathway can be followed with evidence, precision, and a strong focus on patient needs. This transformation is part of a joint initiative by the Government of Uzbekistan, the Islamic Development Bank, and UNOPS, with a total value of USD 80 million. By 2026, the project aims to equip 14 hospitals across the country with advanced medical and radiological equipment, strengthening oncology services nationwide. To date, more than 1,700 units of equipment, worth USD 62 million, have been installed in all regions of Uzbekistan, bringing modern cancer care closer to patients.“These investments allowed us to introduce technologies that were not previously available in the country,” Dr. Izrailbekova says. “At our center in Tashkent, we are now using advanced systems that play a key role at different stages of cancer care: advanced diagnostic equipment, modern linear accelerators, and angiography.”Advanced diagnostics: Understanding the disease“For many patients, the most difficult part of a cancer diagnosis is uncertainty – understanding where the disease is, how advanced it is, and what comes next. Advanced diagnostic technologies have fundamentally changed this moment”, Dr. Izrailbekova explains. As part of the project, a set of modern diagnostic equipment was installed to strengthen cancer detection and decision-making across the country. This includes one PET-CT system, one SPECT-CT system, seven MRI units, and six multi-slice CT scanners installed in national and regional centers, with a total investment of USD 14.9 million. Together, these technologies allow doctors to assess both the structure and biological activity of disease, providing a much clearer picture of how cancer behaves in each individual patient.“Advanced diagnostics support accurate staging, help us understand whether treatment is working, and guide the planning of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Instead of relying on indirect indicators, we can base decisions on real evidence”, she adds. “When I first heard the diagnosis, I was terrified,” Nazira recalls. She was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. “My first thought was surgery”, she adds. Like many patients, Nazira associated cancer treatment with invasive procedures and uncertainty. However, diagnostic assessments allowed doctors to better understand the biological behavior of the cancer and showed that surgery was not immediately required.“This approach reduced physical trauma for our patient and ensured that treatment decisions were based on how the cancer was actually behaving, not assumptions,” explains Dr. Izrailbekova. “Now we use precise diagnostic tools, and we can tailor treatment to the patient – not the other way around.” “Today, I feel calmer,” Nazira says. “I am confident that my treatment is carefully thought through”, she adds with a smile. Linear accelerators: Treating the disease with precision “Radiotherapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments, but its success depends on precision”, explains Dr. Izrailbekova, as she walks through the radiotherapy department. Modern linear accelerators have changed how radiotherapy is delivered. They allow radiation to be directed precisely at the tumor, while protecting the healthy tissue around it. Through this joint initiative, the center received three modern linear accelerators, with a total value of USD 7.1 million, which are especially important when tumors are close to vital organs or have complex shapes.“Most importantly, it removes the need for the patient to travel abroad for treatment and allows receiving care that meets international standards”, she notes. “With such equipment, we deliver safer, more effective treatment with confidence”.Angiography: Managing complex cases through minimally invasive solutions“Some cancer cases are very complex,” explains Dr. Kamila. “They cannot be treated with surgery alone, and sometimes surgery itself can pose serious risks. That is where angiography becomes essential.” The project supported the installation of three angiography systems, including two in regional centers, with a total investment of USD 2.1 million. This equipment enables minimally invasive, image-guided treatment from inside the blood vessels, offering an entirely different approach to cancer care. Instead of operating directly on an organ, doctors can reach tumors through the vascular system, either cutting off its blood supply or delivering treatment directly to the affected area. “Angiography allows us to treat very complex cases in a controlled and gentle way,” says Dr. Izrailbekova. “It helps protect organs, reduce risks for patients, and offer effective treatment options even when surgery is not the best solution.” “When we have the right tools, we can focus on what matters most – the patient,” says Dr. Kamila Izrailbekova. By investing in advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, the project is strengthening national oncology services and expanding equitable access to high-quality cancer care across Uzbekistan.

1 of 5

Story

21 December 2025

From fear to gratitude at a maternity hospital in Uzbekistan

For Gulirano, behind the joy of seeing her baby for the first time was a sense of relief, following the anxiety of the final days before the birth.During the last of her prenatal visits, doctors at Tashkent’s Maternity Complex No. 7 had advised Gulirano to stay at the hospital because of her dangerously high blood pressure. “I didn’t fully grasp how serious it could become,” she said. “But when the contractions began, the fear became real. My blood pressure started rising again.”High blood pressure disorders in pregnancy are the world’s third leading cause of maternal death. Gulirano was placed on a motorized bed and connected to a machine that could continuously monitor her baby’s heart rate. “It was fast, quiet – but strong,” she described. “It calmed me. My baby was really there. Alive. Waiting for me.Modernizing maternity careThe equipment used to treat Gulirano had recently been supplied by UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA has delivered more than 2,300 items of life-saving equipment to 230 maternity hospitals across Uzbekistan, including fetal heart monitors, operating tables and other obstetric essentials, all of which come with a two-year warranty and a two-year supply of spare parts and disposables. These upgrades are part of an effort launched in October 2023 by UNFPA, the Ministry of Health and other UN agencies to modernize the country’s maternal and newborn care system. Significant progress has been made, with the maternal mortality ratio decreasing by almost 7 per cent from 2023 to 2024, according to the latest government data. Newborn deaths also fell, while survival rates for babies with the lowest birthweights improved by five per cent in just two years.In addition to the modern equipment, Gulirano’s delivery was eased by the presence of Shoira, a midwife trained by UNFPA. “We breathed together, and I trusted her completely. She guided me during labour and everything went well.”But suddenly Gulirano noticed the doctors’ expressions change. They had detected a postpartum haemorrhage – severe bleeding after childbirth that is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Immediately, everyone in the room launched into action. “I was given anaesthesia – I don’t recall the exact medical details, but I do remember how swiftly they started the procedure,” said Gulirano. The bed was moved to position Gulirano for treatment, without needing to transfer her to a separate operating table: “Shoira later told me that those crucial minutes saved my life.”“I was not alone through this”From 2024 to 2025, UNFPA trained over 18,000 doctors, midwives and other healthcare providers across Uzbekistan, increasing their capacity to safely handle obstetric emergencies and save lives. After the doctors’ rapid response stopped the bleeding, Gulirano was able to hold her baby once more. Through tears, she breastfed her daughter for the first time. “Despite all my fears, I was not alone through this,” she told UNFPA. “My midwife and the doctors were with me all the time. I was crying not out of fear, but from deep gratitude.”Through supplies, training and essential equipment, UNFPA is committed to ensuring every woman can give birth safely and, like Gulirano, have a healthy journey into motherhood.

1 of 5

Story

02 December 2025

Three Stories, One Mission: Supporting a More Inclusive Uzbekistan

Each of them lives with a different disability, and each has faced challenges along the way. Through volunteering, they advocate for disability inclusion. At the same time, they empower each other, proving that working together can make a real difference.Firuza: Access, respect, and equal opportunity I am a young woman living with a visual disability since birth. Over the years I have learned to navigate the world through sound, empathy, and determination.Currently, I work as a UN Volunteer, helping UN Uzbekistan to produce communication materials that ensure people with disabilities are represented and heard. I also run an Instagram, and share the barriers I face and how many public spaces in Tashkent are still inaccessible for people with disabilities.In 2025, I proudly finished second in the 5 km inclusive race at the Samarkand Marathon. For me, the race wasn’t about winning, it was about visibility, showing that inclusion is something we put into action, not just talk about.I’m not interested in being “an example.” I’m focused on being a professional who contributes — someone who uses communication to open doors for others. Inclusion isn’t about inspiration, it’s about access, respect, and equal opportunity.Shaida: Making our society more inclusive and tolerant My name is Shaida. I gradually lost my vision over the years. In 2015, my vision deteriorated sharply, making it difficult to navigate the city, though I continued believing in the best. In 2023, we moved to Tbilisi, where I started using a white cane and worked with a mobility specialist. I gained confidence moving independently. After returning to Tashkent in 2024, I joined “Sharoyit Plus,” NGO and took part in inclusive forums, and began training as an athlete with a professional coach. Working as a UN Volunteer allows me to share my experience, inspire others, and promote inclusion. My goal is to visit schools and universities across Uzbekistan, motivating young people with disabilities to never give up.Recently, I joined other UN Volunteers to run trainings at universities in Tashkent, where we talked about what inclusion truly is and how each person can help make our society more inclusive and tolerant.Shakhodat: Creating Opportunities I am a young woman with albinism. When I was a child, some people advised my parents to send me to a boarding school so I could have an easier path to university. Instead, they chose our village’s public school so I could grow up alongside other children, make friends, and feel less set apart. School was not easy. I often sat in the very front and still struggled to see the board. I faced discrimination and sometimes bullying. Many teachers simply didn’t know how to support a student with albinism, which led to misunderstandings. Even so, I finished 11 years of school and went on to university.Watching my siblings, who also have albinism, I realized how much I wanted their experience to be different from mine — free from discrimination, treated equally by teachers and classmates, and given access to assistive tools that make learning easier. My goal became clear: to help create the opportunities I didn’t have.After graduating from university, I joined the “Ish Plus” project with “Sharoit Plus” NGO, helping over 300 people with disabilities find jobs. Today, I serve as a UN Volunteer, I support the UN team in Uzbekistan by making their communication more inclusive and highlighting the challenges people with disabilities face.BackgroundSince Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021, the UN Country Team has supported the country’s efforts to improve disability inclusion. Through a joint programme, the UN expanded inclusive social services, trained nurses, teachers, and service providers, and supported reforms to disability assessment, data systems, and budgeting. The UN also raised awareness among public service workers and helped empower youth and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities through advocacy and legal-literacy initiatives.

1 of 5

Story

20 November 2025

There are two hearts beating

“At an ultrasound visit, a doctor told us that the twins were conjoined, but two hearts were beating,” recalls Zuhra “Knowing that, despite the slim chances, how could I not fight for my grandchildren. I said that these girls will live. And we won.Today, Zuhra Khudoyberdieva is a proud and beaming grandmother. She shares a remarkable tale of triumph against the odds—a compelling narrative of how modern healthcare can transform lives amidst the most challenging circumstances.“At an ultrasound visit, a doctor told us that the twins were conjoined, but two hearts were beating,” recalls Zuhra “Knowing that, despite the slim chances, how could I not fight for my grandchildren. I said that these girls will live. And we won.On the fateful day, her daughter-in-law, Ogiloy, had to undergo emergency labor, it was not in a massive metropolitan hospital where the miracle would occur, but at the modest Chirchik perinatal center, in the heart of Tashkent region.Once scarcely equipped for complex surgeries, the Chirchik facility recently rose to the occasion, delivering and successfully separating its first set of conjoined twins, thanks to Uzbekistan's substantial investment in healthcare modernization.The transformation of 230 perinatal centers across the nation, including Chirchik, was made possible under Ishonch Fund, a repatriation agreement between Uzbekistan and Switzerland, financing $43.5 million to the Ministry of Health, aimed at revamping maternal and perinatal care through a collaboration spearheaded by UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO.For Ogiloy and the twins, this investment was nothing short of lifesaving. Every moment was crucial, and the swift intervention and advanced equipment played pivotal roles in this miraculous outcome."After consulting with Professor Bakhtiyor Ergashev of the Republican Perinatal Center, we performed an emergency Caesarean section to deliver and another much more complicated surgery to separate the twins," explains Dr. Doniyor Asadov, Director of the Tashkent regional branch of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Mother and Child Health. "Our region’s capability for such a unique operation was possible because we are very well equipped."The Chirchik center now boasts advanced lifesaving equipment: incubators for premature infants, machines assisting those with breathing difficulties, heart rate monitors, and surgical lights—an essential toolkit enabling the most delicate operations."The uniqueness of the “Ishonch 2030” program is allowing us to care for all premature babies, including underweight children starting at 500 grams," Dr. Asadov adds.Nursing these delicate newborns was possible thanks to the new equipment and ongoing staff training under the “Ishonch 2030” Fund.The story which started with two heartbeats holding onto hope, grew firmer each day. Despite the inherent risks of complicated childbirth, small perinatal centers like Chirchik are witness to such small miracles every day.Across Uzbekistan, from the bustling capital to its rural outskirts, the nation’s 230 perinatal centers are replicating this magic.Beyond equipment upgrades, healthcare workers acquired crucial skills to care for the most fragile newborns. Social behavior campaigns urge pregnant women to seek early care, reinforcing a widespread embrace of timely care and modern medicine.Today, the twins are comfortably home, surrounded by a family brimming with joy and optimism. The twins have become the center of affection, with Ogiloy and Zuhra receiving an outpouring of support in their caregiving journey."My daughters are thriving," Ogiloy proudly shares. "I am breastfeeding them, and I dream of them growing into doctors—like those who brought them safely into this world."Indeed, this is a story beginning with heartbeats in peril now thriving in safety—a testament to the power of modern healthcare and unyielding hope.

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

18 February 2026

Innovative approach to water scarcity: Ice Stupa technology introduced in Kashkadarya

An innovative water harvesting initiative based on artificial glacier (Ice Stupa) technology is being implemented in Sarchashma mahalla of Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region. The technology allows the use of existing water sources during the cold season, storing water in the form of ice and gradually melting it in spring and summer for irrigation and household purposes.The progress of this pilot project was reviewed by Obidjon Kudratov, First Deputy Chairperson of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Sherzod Umarov, Deputy Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the khokimiyats of Kashkadarya region and Shakhrisabz district.“In the context of climate change, the protection and effective management of water resources is one of the priority areas of state policy. The artificial glacier experience being introduced in Kashkadarya region represents an innovative and promising approach aimed at reducing water scarcity in foothill areas and creates opportunities for wider implementation of this practice in other regions of the country,” said Obidjon Kudratov.During the visit, participants were provided with detailed information on the operating principles of the Ice Stupa technology, the mechanisms of water collection and off-season use, as well as the practical application of this approach under conditions of water scarcity.This activity is being implemented within the framework of the project “Food Systems Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme in Uzbekistan” (FOLUR–Uzbekistan), carried out in cooperation with the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility.“The artificial glacier technology is one of the practical and effective solutions for climate change adaptation in conditions of limited water resources. This approach enables seasonal water management, supports agricultural production and strengthens sustainable livelihoods of the local population,” emphasized Sherzod Umarov.Prior to construction, the issue of site selection was thoroughly studied. The cold climatic conditions of the area, consistently low winter temperatures, proximity to water sources, actual water needs of residents and farmers, the legal status of the land plot and the need to avoid damage to existing infrastructure were taken into account.During construction, issues related to identifying the most favorable microclimate, supplying water uphill through natural pressure, proper pipeline placement and ensuring technical safety were addressed step by step. Sector specialists and local partners were involved in the process.As a result, four Ice Stupa structures were constructed in Sarchashma mahalla. Each artificial ice structure is capable of accumulating on average up to 450 cubic metres of ice during the winter season and ensuring approximately 250 cubic metres of usable water in the spring–summer period. This water is intended for early spring irrigation, orchards and household plots, as well as certain agricultural needs.The Ice Stupa technology requires no energy input, is environmentally safe and adaptable to local conditions. Although currently implemented on a limited scale, its practical significance in terms of efficient use of natural resources under water scarcity conditions is high.In the future, opportunities are being considered to introduce this experience in other foothill and water-scarce regions of Uzbekistan. This approach constitutes part of practical measures aimed at climate change adaptation, strengthening water security and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

1 of 5

Press Release

04 February 2026

World Cancer Day: UNOPS Supporting Nationwide Efforts to Strengthen Cancer Care in Uzbekistan

The UNOPS Office in Uzbekistan marks World Cancer Day in the country. This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” focuses on people-centred cancer care that acknowledges individual journeys while advancing collective action. Cancer remains one of the significant public health concerns in Uzbekistan, requiring sustained and coordinated efforts across the health system. According to WHO, each year, approximately 25,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in the country, with women accounting for nearly 60 percent of cases. More than 100,000 cancer patients are currently registered in the country, which highlights the scale and importance of continued investment in prevention, early detection, and treatment services for the people of Uzbekistan.In response, the Government of Uzbekistan has made oncology prevention and treatment a national priority. Over recent years, large-scale reforms have been initiated to modernize cancer care, strengthen prevention and early detection, and expand access to high-quality oncology services across all regions of the country. These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to reducing cancer-related mortality and ensuring that patients can receive timely and effective treatment closer to home. In support of these reforms, UNOPS partners with the Government of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Health to implement the nationwide project ‘Support to the Development of Oncology Services in Uzbekistan’, financed by the Islamic Development Bank. With a total value of USD 80 million and an implementation period from 2022 to 2026, the project is implemented with technical and operational support from UNOPS to strengthen cancer care services across the country. These efforts contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (target 3.4), and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) on strengthening equitable access to quality health services. “Cancer care requires long-term, system-wide solutions”, says Elaine Conkievich, UNOPS Representative and Head of Office in Uzbekistan. “Through this joint initiative, UNOPS is helping translate national priorities into practical results – strengthening infrastructure, building sustainable systems, and supporting healthcare professionals across the country to better serve the people of Uzbekistan”.Through this partnership, substantial progress has been achieved in strengthening oncology services nationwide. By the end of 2025, with UNOPS support, 14 oncology hospitals across Uzbekistan were equipped with more than 1,700 units of technologies worth USD 62 million. These upgrades enable oncology centers to provide a broader range of services locally, reducing the need for patients to seek care outside their regions.“Behind every piece of equipment is a patient who deserves timely and quality care, and UNOPS is proud to support the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening oncology services nationwide, ensuring that advanced diagnosis and treatment are accessible to people in all regions”, Elaine Conkievich adds. A notable achievement of the project has been the introduction of advanced and highly specialized medical equipment that was previously unavailable in the public health care system. This includes 3 linear accelerators for precision radiotherapy, 7 advanced MRI systems, 12 digital mammography units, 33 modern X-ray systems, angiography systems, and nearly 100 minimally invasive endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments. These technologies improve diagnostic accuracy, support early detection, and enable more targeted and effective treatment in line with international standards.“This new generation of mammography is a revolution in breast imaging. It includes tomosynthesis and vacuum-assisted biopsy to detect tumors at an extremely early stage – even ones as small as 0.5 mm, smaller than a grain of rice! It also allows for precise tissue sampling without surgery, so treatment begins long before the tumor becomes clinically visible”, notes Dr. Lola Zokirova, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Onco-mammology specialist. Beyond equipment delivery, sustainability and system strengthening remain central. Since 2024, with UNOPS support nearly 1,500 doctors, technicians, and healthcare professionals have been trained on safe operation, maintenance, and effective clinical use of complex technologies across all recipient hospitals. In parallel, a National Cancer Registry and an Oncology Health Information System was established with 350 ICT units being delivered, laying the groundwork for data-driven planning and improved patient tracking. “The Islamic Development Bank is proud of its engagement in Uzbekistan and of the cooperation we have established with UNOPS. Uzbekistan is making significant strides in strengthening its health sector, and this center is a powerful example of that progress. We remain committed to supporting these efforts over the long term,” said Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, the President of the Islamic Development Bank in September 2025 during his visit to the Tashkent Oncology Center with the Minister of Health and UNOPS Deputy Executive Director.As Uzbekistan continues to advance its health sector reforms, UNOPS remains committed to supporting the Government on this path, in line with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. On World Cancer Day, these collective efforts reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening cancer care nationwide and ensuring that no patient is left behind.Press contact details: Nigina Sodikova, UNOPS Uzbekistan Communications Associate, niginas@unops.org About UNOPSUNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

1 of 5

Press Release

24 November 2025

UN Uzbekistan Launches the 2025 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”

Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, said:“In recent years Uzbekistan has introduced major legal reforms, criminalized domestic violence, expanded gender data systems, and strengthened protection services — including in the regions. These reforms form a strong foundation for addressing digital violence, but as digitalization accelerates, laws, services, and awareness must keep pace.”Throughout the 16 days, UN and partners will implement a series of activities across the country, including:A roundtable on online violence presenting the Legal Review on technology-facilitated GBV.Launch of the “BodyRight” social movement.Male engagement initiatives like “Gender Chayhona” and “Family Support Club” in 9 regions.Workshops strengthening law enforcement capacity to support GBV survivors.Awareness campaigns with the private sector.Faith-based organization engagement to advance women’s rights from Islamic perspectives.Launch of a Gender-Transformative Parenting Programme for caregivers of adolescents.Youth consultations on Public Finance for Gender Equality and Care Economy.Intensive IT and digital internship programme for girls and women.Uzbekistan has made remarkable progress in protecting women and girls from violence. Now, as digital spaces grow, we must ensure that laws, services, and public awareness advance alongside technology. These 16 days are a reminder that ending violence requires action — online, offline, and in every community.The UN Country Team calls on all government institutions, civil society, private companies, youth organisations, and community leaders to join the campaign.

1 of 5

Press Release

19 November 2025

Every two minutes a woman dies from cervical cancer. We must act now

This Monday, 17 November, the world marked the first-ever World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, designated by the 78th World Health Assembly. For the first time in history, countries are observing a global health day dedicated to eliminating cancer — united under the call: “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer” to build on existing progress and accelerate impact.A preventable and curable cancer, and an unequal burdenCervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is fully preventable, detectable and treatable when caught early. Yet, it remains the 4th most common cancer among women globally, with 660,000 new cases in 2022. In the same year, 350,000 deaths were caused by cervical cancer. Tragically 94% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccination, screening, and treatment services remains limited. These deaths are linked also to risk factors such as social and economic determinants, including gender bias and poverty. The burden falls heavily on families. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects younger women, and as a result, globally 1 in 5 children who lose their mother to cancer lose her to cervical cancer. The consequence is not only medical, but social, emotional, and economic.
In Uzbekistan cancer remains a major public health concern. According to the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory by the International Agency for Research, in Uzbekistan cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and accounted for over 2,000 new cancers in women. Sadly, approximately 1,585 women died from cervical cancer in the same year.
Arofat’s story: why early detection matters
Last year WHO published the story of Arofat Marakhimova, a school nurse from Tashkent region whose life was changed by a single HPV test.When the clinic called with her results, she was afraid. The diagnosis felt overwhelming. But early detection through an HPV pilot programme launched by WHO, UNFPA, IARC, and the embassy of France meant her condition was identified early, when treatment is most effective.Arofat is one of the many women who participated in the pilot programme in Tashkent region and Karakalpakstan, which aimed to reach more than 56,000 women with HPV screening. Stories like Arofat’s laid the foundation for Uzbekistan’s first HPV-based national screening programme, which started in 2025.A global plan and Uzbekistan’s progressThe encouraging news is that the world has a plan. Proven, cost-effective interventions exist to prevent, screen for, and treat cervical cancer.In 2020, all 194 WHO Member States agreed to eliminate cervical cancer — the first global commitment to eliminate a cancer. WHO launched the Global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.The strategy calls on all countries to reach the 90−70−90 targets by 2030:90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15;70% of women screened with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45;90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment.Through modelling, some interim benefits of achieving 90−70−90 shows 300,000 cervical cancer deaths averted by 2030.Uzbekistan is taking decisive steps towards cervical cancer elimination.HPV vaccinationAccording to the Ministry of Health, 94% of girls aged 12−14 have received the first dose of HPV vaccine.
This is one of the highest rates in the region — and a powerful step toward protecting the next generation. Early detection and screening programsDemonstrating strong political commitment to address the cancer burden including cervical cancer, the government of Uzbekistan secured a loan from the Islamic Development Bank to support the expansion and enhancement of oncology services in the country.The government has partnered with WHO through an agreement to strengthen access to safe, high-quality oncology services.WHO continues to provide technical expertise and assistance for strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and treatment services for cervical cancer.WHO has supported the update of national clinical guidelines and protocols for cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ensuring alignment with WHO recommendations and international standards.WHO further provided technical support for an HPV testing pilot in Chirchik district which demonstrated the feasibility of implementing screening at the primary care level, with 5,600 women screened.Thirty-five providers have been trained to deliver cervical cancer screening at the primary care level through strengthening of knowledge, communication to women and community, and understanding referral pathways for women with complex cervical disease.Twenty-four laboratory staff have been trained to ensure they are well-informed about HPV test processing, operational procedures, communication of results to women.Eighty specialists (nurses, medical technologists, cytotechnologists, and pathologists) trained to interpret cytology and biopsy samples improving the accuracy of diagnosing precancerous and malignant cervical lesions and ensure the rational use of colposcopy and treatment resources.Closing the gaps: what must happen nextWhile we celebrate the significant strides made, missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment should be addressed with a more integrated approach. To make the change, cervical cancer services need to be integrated throughout the life course, linked with maternal health, family planning and primary care to leverage the opportunities of other programs within the health system.I would like to leave you with these key messages:Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated when detected early;This requires interventions from vaccination to treatment;Addressing sociocultural barriers is essential;and Strong partnerships and collaboration are critical.Cervical cancer elimination is not an aspiration. It is achievable within our lifetime. With every girl received HPV vaccination and every woman screened, diagnosed and treated, Uzbekistan moves one step closer to this historic milestone.We all must ACT. Governments act. Youth act. Communities act. Survivors act. Will you?

1 of 5

View all