Flooding in Uzbekistan: a growing concern for zoonotic outbreaks

Flooding in Uzbekistan has heightened concerns over zoonotic disease outbreaks due to livestock deaths, with the government and organizations like the Ministry of Ecology, Environment, and Climate Change taking steps to improve disease surveillance and public awareness. The Surkhandarya region recently experienced severe flooding, resulting in significant livestock losses. The article highlights the importance of vaccination and regional cooperation, as emphasized by the Ministry of Health and the Central Asian Animal Health Network, to mitigate the risks of zoonotic diseases. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of such natural disasters, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard public health.

Rising incidence of hepatitis A in Uzbekistan prompts vaccination push

Uzbekistan is experiencing a significant rise in hepatitis A cases, particularly among children, prompting a push for vaccinations. The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan and other health organizations emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the virus, which is highly contagious and can lead to severe health outcomes in vulnerable individuals. Despite the availability of vaccines, they are not included in the national vaccination schedule, leading to private vaccination requirements in schools. The situation is compounded by a similar increase in cases in neighboring Kazakhstan. Health officials stress the need for collaborative efforts to manage the outbreak effectively.

Uzbekistan steps up its fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis

Uzbekistan is intensifying its efforts to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), a significant health threat globally. The country is implementing shorter, more effective treatment protocols, supported by organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières and research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Despite free TB treatment, challenges remain, including patient adherence and social stigma. The Ministry of Health and Project HOPE are working to address these issues by promoting early detection and reducing stigma through community engagement.

How Uzbekistan scrambled to stay polio-free – and succeeded

Uzbekistan successfully maintained its polio-free status despite a 2021 outbreak in neighboring Tajikistan. The Ministry of Health swiftly vaccinated 1.2 million children with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to counter the type 2 poliovirus threat. Health officials, including Dilorom Tursunova and Malika Niyazova, emphasized the importance of vaccination amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive awareness campaigns and strict health protocols ensured high vaccination coverage and no reported polio cases in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s girls are taking on HPV

In Uzbekistan, a significant vaccination drive is underway to protect girls from HPV and reduce cervical cancer rates. The initiative, part of the National Immunization Programme, has seen a high uptake, with 94% of girls aged 12-14 receiving at least one dose. Despite initial skepticism, proactive communication and education efforts by the government and health professionals have been effective in dispelling myths and encouraging vaccination. The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2019, is expected to have a substantial impact on reducing cervical cancer, which is the second-most common cancer among women in Uzbekistan. The campaign also highlights the importance of vaccinating boys to prevent other HPV-related cancers.

Uzbekistan prepares for a viral winter

Uzbekistan is preparing for the winter season by addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19 and influenza. Health experts predict an increase in these diseases due to cold weather and indoor gatherings. The country has observed a summer surge in COVID-19 cases, with the Omicron variant, particularly the EG.5 'Eris' subtype, being prevalent. Vaccination campaigns against both COVID-19 and influenza are ongoing, with a significant portion of the population already vaccinated. The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially for high-risk groups, to mitigate severe disease outcomes.

Whooping cough exploits slender immunity gaps in Uzbekistan

Cases of whooping cough have risen in Uzbekistan, particularly among adults, despite high immunization rates. The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination and is working to close immunity gaps through enhanced vaccination programs, public awareness, and improved surveillance. Personal accounts highlight the dangers of the disease and the need for timely vaccinations. Experts suggest that waning adult immunity and gaps in vaccination coverage are contributing to the increase in cases.

Measles is surging, and Uzbekistan is bolstering its defences

Uzbekistan is intensifying its vaccination efforts as measles cases surge in Europe and neighboring countries. Despite high immunization rates, the country faces challenges due to increased migration and a growing unvaccinated population. Health authorities have conducted mass vaccination drives, achieving a 98.4% coverage rate among targeted children. The Ministry of Health is addressing vaccine hesitancy among parents influenced by anti-vaccination movements. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance and Public Health Service continues to monitor and respond to outbreaks, emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles.

Uzbekistan's battle against hepatitis

Uzbekistan has implemented comprehensive measures to combat hepatitis B and C, including free medication for hepatitis C patients, mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers, and extensive screening programs. The initiatives aim to significantly reduce new cases and mortality rates by 2030. Experts highlight the effectiveness of vaccination and the importance of biosafety measures. Collaborative research with Nagoya University has demonstrated the high efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination among children.

Arthouse in Tashkent watched underground

In early October, Tashkent hosted the state-supported Golden Gepard International Film Festival organized by President's daughter Gulnara Karimova. On October 20, an alternative event, the VideoART.uz festival, took place, featuring films that challenge societal norms in Uzbekistan. The festival's location was kept secret to avoid government shutdown, with participants learning about it through Facebook or direct contact. Oleg Karpov, a Tashkent filmmaker and founder of the now-closed Museum of Cinema, organized the event, which showcased 15 video stories and short films by both professionals and amateurs. The festival highlighted new talents, including Yevgeniya Kurbatova's documentary 'Back to School' and Umidy Ahmedova's 'To Berlin'. Despite government pressure, Uzbek independent cinema is gaining recognition abroad, with some participants pursuing studies in Russia and France. This year, the festival received its first sponsor from the Netherlands.