Uzbekistan Expands Access to Early Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment with Support from UNOPS and IsDB

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On World Cancer Day, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for the government’s efforts to strengthen the national oncology system.

Within the framework of a long-term partnership, initiatives are focused on expanding access to early diagnosis, high-quality treatment, and sustainable oncology services across all regions of the country.

This year’s theme, “United by Uniqueness,” emphasizes a patient-centered approach to cancer care, recognizing the individual journey of each patient and promoting collective action within the healthcare system.

Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Uzbekistan, with approximately 25,000 new cases recorded annually, nearly 60% of which are among women. Currently, more than 100,000 cancer patients are registered nationwide, underscoring the need for ongoing investment in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

In recent years, the government has prioritized cancer prevention and care as a national focus. Comprehensive reforms have been implemented to modernize oncology services, strengthen early detection, and expand access to quality healthcare in regional centers.

Supporting these initiatives, UNOPS, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is implementing the nationwide project “Supporting the Development of Oncology Services in Uzbekistan,” funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The project, with a total budget of US$80 million, runs from 2022 to 2026. It aims to strengthen the cancer care system and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 by ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.

“Cancer care requires comprehensive, long-term solutions,” said Elaine Konkievich, UNOPS Representative and Head of Office in Uzbekistan. “Through this project, we help translate national priorities into practical outcomes: strengthening infrastructure, creating sustainable systems, and supporting healthcare professionals to deliver more effective care to the population.”

By the end of 2025, with UNOPS support, 14 oncology hospitals across the country were equipped with over 1,700 modern devices worth US$62 million. This includes three linear accelerators for precision radiotherapy, seven state-of-the-art MRI systems, twelve digital mammographs, 33 X-ray machines, angiographic systems, and nearly 100 minimally invasive endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments.

These upgrades enable oncology centers to provide a broad range of services locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to other regions.

“The new generation of mammographs is a true revolution in breast cancer diagnostics. The devices feature tomosynthesis and vacuum biopsy capabilities, allowing detection of tumors as small as 0.5 mm and precise tissue sampling without surgery,” explained Dr. Lola Zokirova, an oncologist-mammologist.

Beyond equipment provision, the project emphasizes training and system strengthening. Since 2024, nearly 1,500 doctors, technicians, and healthcare staff have received training on the safe use and clinical application of new technologies. Additionally, a National Oncology Registry and a Health Information System for Oncology were established, including 350 ICT devices, enabling data-driven planning and effective patient tracking.

During his visit to the Tashkent Oncology Center, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman Al-Jaser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, highlighted the importance of the collaboration with UNOPS and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to long-term support for Uzbekistan’s healthcare development.

The project not only expands diagnostic and treatment capacity but also improves the quality of medical care at the local level, ensuring access to modern services for all patients.

“Behind every device is a patient who deserves timely, quality care. UNOPS is proud to support the Government of Uzbekistan in providing such care across all regions,” added Elaine Konkievich.

On World Cancer Day, these collective efforts underscore the commitment of Uzbekistan and its international partners to strengthening the oncology system, ensuring access to modern diagnostic and treatment methods, and reducing cancer mortality nationwide.