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 UNOPS

UNOPS 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