Uzbekistan develops cancer control strategy for 2025-2035 with WHO participation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) -At the end of April, a meeting of a group of experts — oncologists, analysts, representatives of the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and strategic centers — was held in Tashkent, where the zero version of the National Cancer Control Strategy for 2025-2035 was agreed upon. Work on the development of the Action Plan has also begun. This was reported by the WHO press service in Uzbekistan.
The strategy is being developed within the framework of the initiative “Support for the Project for the Development of Oncology Services in the Republic of Uzbekistan, Phase II”, implemented with the participation of the Islamic Development Bank.
According to WHO, today more than 100 thousand people in Uzbekistan suffer from oncological diseases. More than 20 thousand new cases are registered annually. "Many of these diseases could be prevented or cured if cancer was detected early and access to treatment was ensured. However, this cannot be achieved without a systems approach. Therefore, every element of the future plan, every goal and every action was carefully discussed, from equipment and training of personnel to overcoming cultural barriers and increasing trust among the population," the WHO noted.
“The main goal is not just to reduce the incidence statistics, but to save lives,” emphasized representatives of the international organization.
It is worth recalling that from 2025, a program for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer will be launched in Uzbekistan. Women will be able to undergo regular screening examinations: HPV tests and liquid cytology will be performed to detect cervical cancer, and ultrasound and mammography will be performed for breast cancer. The costs of diagnostics and treatment will be covered by the state.

Source UzDaily.uz