Government of Uzbekistan, IsDB and UNOPS advance cancer care with modern facilities and equipment

Thousands of cancer patients across Uzbekistan will benefit from new equipment and expanded oncology and radiology services, thanks to a joint initiative from the Government of Uzbekistan, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and UNOPS. The project, financed through an IsDB’s USD 90 million loan and Government of Uzbekistan co-financing, and implemented by UNOPS, WHO, IAEA and IARC, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, aims to directly benefit at least 150,000 cancer patients across the country. Daily oncology outpatient services are expected to increase by 40% and inpatient capacity by 20%, while more than 2,200 doctors, nurses and technicians will be trained.


Today, the partners visited the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology in Tashkent to mark progress in modernizing facilities, technologies, and patient care.
The delegation included H.E. Asilbek Khudayarov, Minister of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, Ms. Kirstine Damkjær, UNOPS Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships, and Prof. Mirzagolib Tillashaykhov, Director of the Center of Oncology and Radiology.



During the briefing session, the Ministry of Health emphasized that strengthening oncology services remains a national health priority. The Director of the Center highlighted recent achievements and ongoing cooperation with IsDB and UNOPS, showcasing remarkable progress. Fourteen hospitals across Uzbekistan are now better equipped to detect and treat cancer, with more than 1,700 medical devices delivered through the partnership.

The delegation toured key departments, including Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Endoscopy, and Medical Imaging, where specialists presented newly installed technologies – such as linear accelerators, MRI and PET/CT scanners, and digital mammography systems. These technologies are already saving lives by enabling earlier detection and a more accurate treatment.

For IsDB, the intervention in building inclusive health systems align with its Member Country Partnership Strategy (2022-2026), which emphasizes developing human capital to support sustainable and resilient growth.

The President of the IsDB, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, praised the initiative as a model of international solidarity and cooperation: “Cancer care today is about using technology to raise hope and save lives. Through this partnership, the Islamic Development Bank and the Government of Uzbekistan have brought together the collective strength of UNOPS, WHO, IAEA, and IARC to do far more than build a facility. We are revolutionizing the nation’s entire oncology system. This center will deliver advanced care, expand early detection, and ensure access to life-saving treatment for more patients than ever before.”



Notably, the joint project has expanded radiotherapy services in the country. For the first time, advanced linear accelerators have been installed in oncology centers, enabling highly precise treatment that targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue. This reduces side effects, shortens waiting times, and allows patients to access effective cancer care without a need to travel abroad. Importantly, the latest advancements, such as adaptive radiotherapy, are improving survival rates for some cancers that were once considered incurable, improving both their survival and quality of life.

Ms. Kirstine Damkjaer, UNOPS Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships, underlined the significance of collaboration: “This project is a powerful example of how strong partnerships between national institutions and international partners can deliver modern, accessible solutions that truly change lives. In Uzbekistan, thousands of patients are already benefiting from advanced diagnostics, timely treatment, and improved care - paving the way for longer, healthier lives.”

The visit concluded with partners reaffirming their support to Uzbekistan’s ambitious healthcare reforms under the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy. Together, they committed to expanding cancer prevention, early detection, and patient-centered healthcare services to ensure more people receive timely and high quality care.