A high-level forum “Dialogue for Children: UNICEF and Central Asia”, dedicated to the International Day for Protection of Children, was held in Tashkent.

The event was attended by representatives of the World Health Organization, United Nations agencies, the Zamin Foundation, as well as leaders from the ministries of health and other relevant agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

The forum, aimed at improving the quality of medical care for mothers and children by identifying shared priorities, practical strategies, and joint initiatives, became a favorable platform for further strengthening international cooperation.

“We are firmly committed to continuing systematic efforts to ensure the health and well-being of every child”, said Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin International Public Foundation, in her address to forum participants. “We pay special attention to introducing a multi-sectoral approach in pediatric services, particularly programs to combat oncological diseases. The happy laughter of children and the well-being of parents are our greatest achievements”.

Special attention was given at the conference to improving the system of oncological care for children and adolescents. It was emphasized that this system must be aligned with state programs, and there is a need to establish effective prevention, early diagnosis, and quality treatment, ensure the training of qualified personnel, provide psychosocial support in this area, and cover the entire process with digital monitoring.

Following the forum, the participating countries adopted a declaration aimed at developing cooperation between governments, the academic community, partners, and civil society in child and adolescent health, with the support of UNICEF and WHO.

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Mukharamma Pirmatova, UzA