As it was mentioned during the conference, Uzbekistan has made a significant progress towards implementation of national programmes on reproductive health, which are being given top priority by the Government. Particularly, it was reported that, in less than 20 years of Uzbekistan’s independence, maternal mortality decreased two times, while women’s life expectancy increased from 67 to 75 years. The issue has also been given a particular focus in the speech that President Karimov made at the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit in New York earlier this year.

The conference reviewed a variety of issues related to reproductive health, including the quality of existing medical services, social support for young families, healthcare services for women, adolescents and children, prevention of HIV/AIDS, legislative framework for maternal healthcare and women’s empowerment, as well as demographic and socio-economic development situation in Uzbekistan.

Presenters made several references to a draft law on Reproductive Health, which is being prepared by a working group at the Parliament, and will be soon sent for review. The law, which will provide regulatory framework for issues like reproductive health and rights, provision of related medical services and other important aspects, has been actively supported by UNFPA since 2006.

A number of local institutions and international partners joined hands in organization of this high-level conference, such as the Senate, Women’s Committee, Ministry of Health, UNFPA along with other UN agencies, and GTZ, to name a few.

Speaking at the conference, UNFPA Assistant Representative, Mr. Fuad Aliev described the role of key international agreements, such as the Cairo Conference and MDGs, in improving wellbeing of women worldwide.

“Our national partners fully understand and promote the concept of reproductive health, which goes far beyond purely medical approach, and reflects social, spiritual and moral aspects” – he said. “We at UNFPA hope to continue our close collaboration with the Government of Uzbekistan, standing at the forefront of efforts undertaken in this field.”