Uzbekistan Records 155 Cases of Early Marriage Among Girls Aged 15–17

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Since the beginning of 2025, Uzbekistan has registered 155 cases of early marriage among girls aged 15–17.

This information was shared by Minister of Health Asilbek Khudayarov in an interview with the “Uzbekistan 24” TV channel, following a meeting on community (mahalla) development held on October 14 with the participation of the President.

According to the minister, the head of state expressed serious concern about early marriages among young people, particularly among girls, noting that cases of consanguineous marriages still occur in the country. “Modern medicine has proven that early marriages and marriages between relatives significantly increase the risk of children being born with disabilities,” Khudayarov emphasized.

The Health Minister also highlighted discussions during the meeting regarding situations where women become pregnant twice within a single calendar year without observing the necessary interval between births, which leads to the birth of weakened and ill children.

“The President stressed that to prevent such cases and ensure the birth of a healthy generation that will build the New Uzbekistan, healthcare workers at the local level, together with mahalla committees, women’s committees, religious leaders, and local hokimiyats, must approach their duties with even greater responsibility,” the minister added.

Khudayarov noted that a wide-ranging information and awareness campaign is planned. He also indicated that any recurrence of such cases will be addressed at the community level, with preventive measures implemented accordingly.