Uzbekistan Plans to Raise Early Detection of Childhood Cancer to 30% in 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of childhood cancer cases detected at an early stage to 30 percent in 2026, the Ministry of Health reports.

The head of state pays particular attention to the development of pediatric hematology and oncology as a field separate from adult medicine, now established as an independent center. Today, the quality of medical care in this area is reaching a fundamentally new level, notes Jamila Polatova, Director of the Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology.

“In 2025, our center introduced several new diagnostic and treatment methods,” she said. “These include an innovative therapy for primary immunodeficiencies using subcutaneous administration of human immunoglobulin, the use of infusion pumps and syringe pumps for precise dosing and control of cytostatic administration, as well as the installation of port systems for long-term and safe vascular access, facilitating chemotherapy, blood sampling, and drug delivery.”

Specialists at the center are also actively developing high-tech surgical practices. Last year, organ-preserving surgeries for femoral osteosarcoma using “growing” endoprostheses were performed for the first time, along with a complex Bricker reconstruction after bladder removal and surgeries for hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver.

During regional visits, high-tech operations were carried out at the oblast and district level, including removal of retroperitoneal tumors, spinal cord tumors, nephrectomies with para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and resection of liver metastases.

To prevent disease and ensure early detection, training seminars for primary care physicians are held, oncological alertness questionnaires have been introduced, and routing algorithms for children suspected of cancer or hematological malignancies have been developed.

In 2025, more than 40 center staff members upgraded their qualifications in Russia, the USA, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, while several nurses trained in France and Türkiye. The center actively expands international cooperation, signing memoranda with leading clinics in Russia, the USA, the Netherlands, Austria, Egypt, and Türkiye.

In particular, an agreement was reached to develop standard infection control procedures with the D. Rogachev National Research Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology in Russia. Through cooperation with Vienna Medical University, specialists undergo training in Austria.

A strategic partnership roadmap for 2025–2027 has been developed with Boston Children’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (USA), including staff training and mentorship, a bone marrow transplantation program, and the creation of a clinical research division.

In 2026, the early detection program will focus on improving pediatric oncology and hematology services in Andijan, Bukhara, Navoi, Fergahan, and Khorezm regions.

To enhance accessibility and effectiveness, digital patient routing, remote appointment scheduling, and online consultations will be implemented.