Tashkent hosts regional forum on child health as Uzbekistan builds global profile

As Uzbekistan continues to raise its profile on the global stage through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, Tashkent this week hosted a high-level regional forum titled “Dialogue in the name of children: Central Asia and UNICEF,” focused on improving child health across Central Asia.

Held on May 27, the forum was aligned with International Children’s Day, celebrated each year on June 1. It brought together senior representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, along with the health ministers of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The forum was held under the patronage of the Zamin Foundation, a philanthropic organization known for its child-focused initiatives. In Uzbek, “Zamin” means “foundation,” symbolizing a platform and opportunity for growth. The event aimed to strengthen international cooperation around maternal and child health care in the region.

In her opening remarks, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin Foundation, spoke about the initiative’s human impact.

“We are firmly determined to continue systematic work to ensure the health and well-being of every child. We pay special attention to the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach, including programs to fight against cancer within the pediatric service,” said Mirziyoyeva, a leading advocate for social development in Uzbekistan.

“Our greatest success is the joyful laughter of happy children and the peace of mind and complete confidence of parents,” she said.

The forum outlined several priorities, including strengthening primary health care systems, improving pediatric cancer treatment and expanding access to early diagnosis, medical care and psychosocial support. It marked a broader shift toward adopting multidisciplinary approaches within national health strategies.

The event also highlighted the shared health challenges and ambitions of Central Asia, home to nearly 100 million people. Participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to international health standards and emphasized the role of primary health care in achieving universal coverage.

“In Central Asia, health systems face a double burden: non-communicable diseases and unfinished tasks in maternal and child mortality. Undoubtedly, strengthening primary health care is indeed the most cost-effective and the right strategy to address these issues,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Pediatric oncology was another major focus. Delegates discussed the creation of a regional platform – the Academic International Hub for the Fight Against Childhood Cancer. The initiative aims to bring global best practices into clinical and research work, guide policy and training, and support digital monitoring. Participants also stressed that care should extend beyond hospitals to include parent education, family counseling, self-help groups and supportive environments at home and in the community.

Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, praised Central Asian countries for prioritizing child health.

“The health of children is the health of our nations. It is the most powerful investment we can make in human capital, in social stability and in the future we all want to build,” he said. “WHO is always ready to walk with you on this path.”

The forum concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration supported by UNICEF and WHO, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, academic institutions, civil society and international partners to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents throughout the region.

Share this article: