Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has approved the National Strategy to Combat Childhood Cancer for 2025–2030. The document was developed within the framework of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Medical University of Vienna, and other international partners.

The adoption of the strategy marks a new stage in the systematic fight against childhood cancer and aims to comprehensively improve pediatric oncology services, including the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

The strategy will serve as a foundation for modernizing the national healthcare system, strengthening human resources and infrastructure, and establishing unified standards for delivering high-quality medical care to children at all levels.

“Childhood cancer is no longer a personal tragedy for individual families. It is now a national priority,” emphasized Uzbekistan’s Minister of Health, Asilbek Khudayarov. “This strategy reflects our commitment to achieving a 60% survival rate and reducing mortality by 2.5 times by 2030 through the adoption of best international practices.”

On May 15, a multisectoral dialogue was held in Tashkent, bringing together representatives from government agencies, international organizations—including the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, FAO, UNOPS—alongside the Association of Parents of Children with Cancer, NGOs, and subject-matter experts.

The event focused on key areas for implementing the strategy, including the introduction of advanced early diagnosis and treatment programs, technological and infrastructural upgrades of healthcare facilities, the training of qualified personnel and development of continuous education systems, the digitalization of oncology services, the creation of an effective monitoring and evaluation system, and the provision of psychosocial and family support.

Dr. Ashina Halakdina, WHO Representative in Uzbekistan, noted: “The development of a national strategy with clear goals, actions, and resources is a vital step forward. It will ensure broader and more equitable access to treatment, based on reliable, country-specific data. Through Uzbekistan’s participation in the WHO Global Initiative and the international medicine supply platform, children across 16 medical facilities in the country are already receiving free and safe medications. WHO will continue to support the implementation of the strategy, especially in the areas of governance and coordination.”

UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, Regina Maria Castillo, highlighted the importance of a joint approach: “A multisectoral strategy is a necessary step to accelerate progress in the fight against childhood cancer. This collective approach not only helps save lives but also reduces the long-term economic burden on families and the healthcare system as a whole.”

The adopted strategy will serve as a platform for broad international cooperation and is aimed at achieving sustainable outcomes in safeguarding children’s health and ensuring their right to timely and effective medical care.