Central Asian countries and WHO discussed launching a new platform

Eldiyor Toshmatov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, took part in an informal meeting of Central Asian health ministers with Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

The meeting focused on agreeing on next steps to formally adopt and launch the roadmap for the health and well-being of Central Asia for 2026-2030, positioning it as a key regional platform for healthcare cooperation.

In his speech, Hans Kluge, in particular, stressed that holding a meeting in 2026, declared the Year of Health Protection in the CIS during Uzbekistan’s presidency of the CIS Health Cooperation Council, creates favorable conditions for the development of regional cooperation in the field, the promotion of joint initiatives, and the strengthening of practical multilateral cooperation.

Representatives from Central Asia also exchanged views on the official adoption of the roadmap, coordination of next steps, and prospects for cooperation with international partners.

Following the discussions, the participants agreed to the official adoption of the roadmap within the framework of the Council for Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare of the CIS.

The regular Meeting of the Council will take place in Uzbekistan in October 2026.

Orash Akaboyev, UzA