Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva has been appointed chair of the Global Network for Supporting Children with Serious Illnesses for a two-year term. The international initiative was announced at the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer, held in Samarkand as part of the World Summit for Children’s Well-being, according to the Zamin Foundation’s press service.
The new network will bring together first ladies and spouses of heads of state to promote international cooperation, exchange experience and support children with serious and life-threatening illnesses, including cancer.
The initiative was presented by Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, vice president of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and director of St. Jude Global in the United States. Mirziyoyeva’s appointment as chair was formalised during the congress.
Addressing the event, Uzbekistan’s First Lady called on the international community, governments, scientists and humanitarian organisations to join forces to address the needs of children requiring medical care.
“Disease and suffering recognise no political borders, nationality or income level. Let us unite for a future of well-being so that no child and no family is left alone with their pain,” Mirziyoyeva said.
The Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer was held under the theme “From Cure to Quality of Life.”
Participants included representatives of health authorities from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia, as well as the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the European School of Oncology, foreign university hospitals and medical centres, research organisations and civil society groups.
The network is intended to strengthen international cooperation in supporting children with serious illnesses.
Mirziyoyeva’s appointment recognises Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop paediatric oncology services and expand children’s access to quality healthcare.
