AGP Executive Report

Bilateral Health & Pharma Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Georgia signed a strategic partnership declaration in Tbilisi, with memorandums covering healthcare, pharmaceuticals, customs, digitalization, education, agriculture, labor migration, and radiation/nuclear safety—plus plans for an e-permit system to streamline cross-border transport. Diplomatic Expansion: Uzbekistan will open an embassy in Georgia, marking the first Uzbek president visit in 23 years and aiming to raise trade from $270m (2025) and $100m+ (2026 H1) toward a $1bn target. Child Safety Crackdown (Tashkent): Uzbekistan’s preschool authorities launched legal action over Rayyan Kids Land after footage and reports of physical and psychological abuse; the ministry moved to revoke the license and a criminal case was initiated. Healthcare Systems Preparedness: WHO urged stronger earthquake-ready health systems, warning Central Asia—including Uzbekistan—faces high seismic risk with cross-border impacts. Public Health & Environment: A juvenile whale washed ashore in northern Cyprus and was taken for necropsy; experts cited possible ship strikes, ghost nets, and underwater noise.

Child Safety Crackdown: Uzbekistan’s preschool regulator moved to revoke Rayyan Kids Land’s license in Tashkent after allegations and circulated footage of physical and psychological abuse, with a criminal case initiated and forensic checks ordered. Healthcare Pricing Oversight: Uzbekistan’s competition watchdog ordered refunds of UZS 285.4 million to 127,000 patients after finding overcharging at six medical facilities, citing improper accounting and pricing practices. Maternal & Newborn Care Funding: Uzbekistan completed its first Ishonch Fund health project focused on maternal and newborn care, expanding support for critical services. Disaster-Ready Health Systems: WHO urged stronger earthquake-ready healthcare systems, warning that major quakes across Central Asia—including Uzbekistan—could have cross-border impacts. Nutrition & Food Security: A FAO regional report says Tajikistan nearly halved undernourishment, but healthy diets remain out of reach for many, highlighting ongoing nutrition gaps across the region. Public Health Risk Alert: Authorities investigated methane-filled balloons in Bukhara after an explosion near a café, warning residents to avoid unsafe inflation practices. Digital Health & Tech Push: IT Park Uzbekistan launched the President Tech Award (now $5M) and a new President AI Award ($1M), aiming to back startups that could shape future health tech.

Child Safety Probe: Uzbekistan’s Ministry investigates a private Tashkent kindergarten after footage alleged systematic cruelty—pinching and forcing cloth into children’s mouths—leading to a criminal case and possible license revocations. Healthcare Pricing Crackdown: Uzbekistan’s Competition Committee ordered refunds of UZS 285.4 million to 127,000 patients after audits found overcharging tied to distorted cost calculations and improper revenue allocations. Disaster-Ready Health Systems: WHO urges stronger earthquake-ready hospital and health-system resilience, warning Central Asia—including Uzbekistan—faces very high seismic risk with cross-border impacts. Maternal & Newborn Care Funding: Uzbekistan completed its first Ishonch Fund health project focused on maternal and newborn care, expanding support for critical services. Cross-Border Care Access: An Afghan-Uzbek Joint Market Hospital reports 134,000+ patients treated in two years, citing accessible specialty care for diabetes, thyroid issues, and hereditary conditions. Trade & Health Context: Uzbekistan’s trade deficit widened to $7.5B (exports down, imports up), a reminder that economic pressure can ripple into health budgets and access. Regional Nutrition Challenge: FAO says Tajikistan’s undernourishment nearly halved, but healthy diets remain unaffordable for many—Central Asia’s ongoing nutrition gap.

Healthcare Pricing Crackdown: Uzbekistan’s Competition Promotion and Consumer Protection Committee ordered refunds of UZS 285.4 million to 127,000 patients after finding overcharging at eight medical facilities (2023–2025), including improper cost calculations and unauthorized revenue add-ons. Child Safety Probe: Tashkent authorities are investigating a private kindergarten after allegations of systemic child abuse, with reported footage showing severe mistreatment of toddlers. Maternal & Newborn Care Funding: Uzbekistan has completed its first Ishonch Fund health project focused on maternal and newborn care, signaling continued investment in frontline services. Pharma Branding: GM PHARMA unveiled a refreshed brand identity centered on DNA, highlighting its expanded portfolio and ongoing exports, including to Uzbekistan. Cross-Border Emergency Access: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan agreed to allow ambulances to pass the “Tayan” checkpoint round-the-clock in emergencies, improving access to urgent care in border areas. Regional Health Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s state visit to Georgia (July 2–3) is set to include cooperation in healthcare alongside trade, transport, and investment.

Maternal & newborn care boost: Uzbekistan has completed its first Ishonch Fund healthcare project, investing $43.5m to modernize perinatal services in 227 centres—upgrading equipment and training with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Sick leave reform: From July 1, a new temporary disability benefits procedure shifts costs: employers pay only the first 5 sick days, while the State Social Insurance Fund covers from day 6, with payouts based on insurance history and extra support for vulnerable groups. Border emergency access: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan agreed that ambulances can pass the “Tayan” checkpoint around the clock in emergencies, improving access to care for border communities. Cross-border health cooperation: Uzbekistan and France discussed expanding cooperation that includes healthcare, alongside energy, transport, infrastructure and education. Public health watch: DRC banned mass gatherings over Ebola fears but allowed exceptions for the England match, with officials urging basic precautions like handwashing. Clinical update (global): The FDA approved bulevirtide-gmod (Hepcludex) as the first treatment for chronic Hepatitis Delta Virus—prompting people with chronic Hepatitis B to ask about HDV testing.

Maternal & newborn care boost: Uzbekistan has completed its first Ishonch Fund healthcare project, investing $43.5m to modernize perinatal services in 227 perinatal centers and cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO support. Sick leave reform: From July 1, Uzbekistan will shift temporary disability payments so the State Social Insurance Fund covers sick leave from day 6, while employers pay only the first 5 days; benefits depend on insurance history and can rise for vulnerable groups. Border emergency access: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan agreed round-the-clock ambulance passage through the “Tayan” checkpoint in emergency cases, improving access to medical help in Batken region. Digital health & policy: Uzbekistan is considering stricter rules to limit social media access for children under 16, aiming to build a healthier digital culture. Public health in the spotlight: DR Congo banned mass gatherings over Ebola fears but allowed World Cup viewing exceptions, highlighting how outbreaks and major events collide. Healthcare cooperation: Uzbekistan and France discussed expanding cooperation in energy, transport, infrastructure, education and healthcare. Safety oversight: Uzbekistan approved stricter safety measures for fuel stations after nationwide inspections found widespread technical, fire and environmental violations.

Maternal & newborn care boost: Uzbekistan has completed its first major Ishonch Fund health project, investing $43.5m to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths in 227 perinatal centres, with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO support, modern equipment for 231 facilities, and training for over 80,000 health workers. Sick leave reform: From July 1, a new state-funded temporary disability system shifts costs: employers pay only the first 5 sick days (within a year), while the State Social Insurance Fund covers from day 6, with benefits tied to insurance history and higher rates for vulnerable groups. Drug distribution expansion: EBRD is backing Meros Pharm with a $15m boost to expand Uzbekistan’s drug distribution network. Digital health & policy links: Uzbekistan is also moving toward tighter child protections online, considering legislation to restrict social media access for kids under 16, alongside broader national efforts to grow AI and IT services exports. Public health context: The World Cup is intersecting with outbreak concerns abroad, with Ebola response in eastern DR Congo highlighted as the country prepares for knockout matches. Travel & care demand: Uzbekistan recorded 18,330 trips to Vietnam in Jan–May 2026, including 142 for medical treatment.

Maternal Health Boost: Uzbekistan has completed its first large Ishonch Fund health project, investing $43.5 million to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths in 227 perinatal centers, with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO support; Hospital Upgrades: the program equipped 231 facilities with modern life-saving gear (incubators, respiratory support, anesthesia) and trained over 80,000 medical workers while updating 49 clinical protocols; Digital Child Safety: the Ministry of Preschool and School Education is drafting a law to restrict social media access for children under 16, aiming to strengthen “healthy digital culture” as phone drop-off rules in schools are inconsistently followed; Fuel Station Safety: Cabinet approved stricter safety measures after 2025 inspections found tens of thousands of violations at 6,196 fueling sites, leading to temporary suspensions at 464 stations; Health Investment Partner News: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development said it deployed AED 562 million in 2025 across six investments including healthcare, education and food security, with Uzbekistan among the partner countries.

Maternal Health Funding: Uzbekistan will direct $43.5 million from confiscated Gulnara Karimova-linked assets into a maternal and neonatal mortality reduction program, equipping 231 maternity hospitals with modern gear and training 80,000+ medical workers, with support for 49 clinical protocols. Public Health & Travel: Uzbekistan’s health-related travel to Vietnam rose to 142 people in Jan–May 2026, out of 18,330 total visitors. Infectious Disease Preparedness: With Ebola concerns tied to the DRC, coverage highlights how major host cities are preparing for communicable disease risks during mass events. Youth Digital Safety: Uzbekistan is considering stricter legislative limits on social media use for children under 16, aiming to improve enforcement and promote safer, more responsible online behavior. Water Access (Global): A new map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions worldwide, underscoring ongoing infrastructure gaps. Road Safety: A deadly pedestrian crash in downtown Atlanta led to charges including vehicular homicide and DUI against the driver.

Maternal Health Funding: Uzbekistan will receive $43.5M from confiscated Gulnara Karimova-linked assets, earmarked for maternal and neonatal mortality reduction, including upgrades for 231 maternity hospitals (incubators/ventilators), training for 80,000+ medical workers, and revisions of 49 clinical protocols via the “Ishonch” fund with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO. Public Health Access: A new global map highlights that safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people worldwide, with major gaps in low-income countries—an issue that directly affects infection risk and child health. Child Digital Safety: Uzbekistan is considering stricter legislation to limit social media use for children under 16, aiming to improve online safety and mental well-being while noting current school phone rules aren’t consistently enforced. Health System Preparedness (Global): Reports on Ebola-related travel restrictions and hospital readiness abroad underscore the importance of preparedness for outbreaks during mass gatherings. Disaster Impact (Global): A deadly tornado in eastern China killed at least 78 and injured nearly 500, with emergency response strained by power outages and debris—another reminder of health risks during extreme weather.

Ebola Preparedness in Atlanta: With Ebola spreading in DR Congo, Atlanta health officials say the risk to the public is low but the city is ready, citing its experience treating Ebola cases in 2014 and Emory’s biocontainment capacity. Visa Barriers for Fans: DR Congo’s famous “Lumumba Vea” supporter, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, was denied a US visa for the match vs Uzbekistan in Atlanta, and Congo’s leadership is urging FIFA to compensate fans affected by Ebola-related travel limits. Uzbekistan Youth Digital Safety: Uzbekistan is drafting a law to restrict social media access for children under 16, aiming to strengthen enforcement beyond existing school phone rules. Child Welfare Watch: Uzbekistan ranked 96th in the KidsRights Index 2026—stronger in healthcare but weaker in protection and the overall child-rights environment. Maternal Health Funding: Uzbekistan says confiscated assets tied to Gulnara Karimova will finance a nationwide maternal healthcare overhaul. Public Health Infrastructure Abroad: A Kyrgyz village case highlights how limited clean water and sanitation can drive hepatitis spread, with improvements coming only after toilets and water access were added to health posts and schools.

Child Safety & Digital Policy: Uzbekistan is considering a draft law to restrict social media access for children under 16, aiming for stricter control since school phone rules aren’t consistently enforced. Maternal Health Funding: $43.5 million from confiscated Gulnara Karimova assets has been routed into Uzbekistan’s maternal and newborn healthcare upgrades, modernizing 231 perinatal centers and training 80,000+ staff with new clinical protocols. Public Health Infrastructure Lessons: In Kyrgyz-Ata (Osh region), limited water access in a rural health post contributed to hygiene problems and disease spread; sanitation and water upgrades began after years of appeals. Child Rights & Health Gaps: Uzbekistan placed 96th in the KidsRights Index 2026—stronger in healthcare but weaker in life, education, protection, and the overall enabling environment for child welfare. Drug Control: Uzbekistan reports seizing 2.304 tonnes of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances since the start of 2026, including major hashish and opium amounts, plus shutdowns of illegal pharmaceutical workshops. Ebola Preparedness Abroad: Atlanta health authorities highlighted readiness for Ebola risk during World Cup travel, citing prior treatment experience and specialized containment capacity.

Maternal health boost: Uzbekistan has completed a $43.5M maternal and newborn healthcare upgrade funded through confiscated assets linked to Gulnara Karimova, modernizing 231 perinatal centers and training 80,000+ health workers with new clinical protocols. Public health progress: Average life expectancy in Uzbekistan reached 75.4 years in 2025, up from 66.4 in 1991, reflecting long-term health gains. Child welfare concern: Uzbekistan fell to 96th in the KidsRights Index 2026—strong in health (15th) but weak in protection, education, and the overall child-rights environment. Drug control: Authorities seized 2.304 tonnes of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances since the start of 2026, including large quantities of hashish and opium, and shut down illegal pharmaceutical packaging workshops. Workplace compliance: Samarkand’s governor faced a labor-law warning after proposing that university lecturers monitor city streets, with inspectors stressing educators can’t be forced into unrelated duties. Pharma investment: EBRD is investing $15M in Meros Pharm to expand Uzbekistan’s drug distribution network. Health-linked research: A study on HPV patterns among women in China’s Yili region highlights how ethnicity can shape cervical cancer risk—relevant for prevention planning. Health security abroad: Atlanta officials say they’re prepared for Ebola-related risks tied to the DRC, emphasizing readiness for serious infectious disease threats.

Pharma Investment: EBRD is backing Uzbekistan’s Meros Pharm with a $15M loan to expand drug storage and distribution (new warehouses in Bukhara and Nukus, plus Tashkent upgrades), aiming to improve access to medicines and strengthen logistics. Public Health & Safety: A Samarkand governor’s plan to assign university lecturers to monitor city streets triggered a backlash and a warning from the State Labor Inspection, which says educators can’t be forced into non-professional municipal duties. Environment & Nutrition Systems: The Global Environment Facility’s GEF-9 cycle was launched in Samarkand, with early pledges of $3.9B for 2026–2030, highlighting integrated livestock feed and nutrition as key to both sustainability goals and productivity. Healthcare Access for Travelers: Cleveland Clinic and Global Guardian announced a partnership to extend international medical care access, including consultation and air/ground evacuation to Cleveland Clinic facilities worldwide. Women’s Health Research: A retrospective study on HPV among women in China’s Yili region points to ethnic differences in HPV types and cervical disease patterns, underscoring the need for targeted prevention.

Pharma & Investment: EBRD is backing Uzbekistan’s Meros Pharm with a $15M boost to expand warehouses in Bukhara and Nukus, grow storage in Tashkent, and strengthen access to medicines nationwide. Public Health & Data: A study on HPV among women in China’s Yili region highlights how infection and HPV types vary by ethnicity—an argument for more targeted prevention and screening approaches. Health Tech: A report from Xinjiang describes AI being used in real clinical settings, including hospital diagnostics, alongside broader public services. Workplace Rights: Uzbekistan’s Samarkand governor faced backlash after a plan to assign teachers to monitor city streets; the State Labor Inspection warned it could violate labor law and amount to forced labor. Global Care Access: Cleveland Clinic and Global Guardian expanded a partnership to help international travelers get medical consultation and evacuation support. Policy & Demography: An EDB forum discussion stressed that demographic data should guide public policy, linking population trends to healthcare and food security planning.

Pharma Funding Boost: The EBRD approved up to $15M for Uzbekistan’s Meros Pharm to expand warehouses in Bukhara and Nukus and upgrade storage in Tashkent, aiming to strengthen medicine distribution and improve access nationwide, with part of the money for working capital and European product imports. Health & Travel Safety: Cleveland Clinic and Global Guardian announced a partnership (Global MedConnect) to help international travelers with medical consultation plus air/ground evacuation to Cleveland Clinic facilities worldwide. Digital Health in Practice: A report on Xinjiang highlights AI being used in real clinical settings, including hospital diagnostics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, alongside AI tools for logistics and public services. Surrogacy Risks in the Region: An Oxford-linked study says women from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, are being recruited into Georgia’s surrogacy market via social media, raising concerns about opaque recruitment and weak oversight. Sports Science Angle: Coverage notes more athletes in their 40s at the World Cup, pointing to improved self-care and sports science as a factor in longer careers.