The event brought together experts in oncology, obstetrics and gynecology as well as specialists from provincial health departments to make conclusions on introduction of cervical cancer screening in the country, discuss challenges and lessons learnt with regard to the process; and plan further large-scale interventions on reproductive system cancer prevention.

A. Kamilov, Deputy Minister of Health, underlined the importance of the event and called all participants to put their ideas on table, so that they can be taken into account during development of the National Strategy on Cervical Cancer Prevention, which is work in progress these days.

"Cervical cancer is one of the leading reasons of morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age in Uzbekistan," commented Feruza Fazilova, UNFPA National Programme Officer on Reproductive Health.

"Each year the number of cases increases and the major problem is in late diagnostics of the disease. It usually takes place when the medical interventions have the least impact. Therefore, issues of early diagnostics of cervical cancer are critical and considered an integral component of the reproductive health programming."

Consequently, UNFPA supported a 3-day workshop on modern clinical and diagnostic aspects of colposcopy initiated by the Ministry of Health and delivered by the experts from the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

Over thirty service providers in the area of diagnostics and treatment of cervical pathologies in Uzbekistan updated their knowledge in the field and obtained new skills in early diagnostics and treatment thanks to this educational event.

UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.