The joint project was conducted under a cooperation memorandum inked in July 2012 by the Breast Cancer National Association of Uzbekistan (NBCAU) and the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).

The delegation of the NBCAU paid a visit to Turkey. The delegation attended in a working dinner at Ankara Palace Hotel, which was attended by Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkey Ulfat Kadirov, TIKA Vice President Mehmet Sureyya Era, representatives of Ministry of Healthcare of Turkey, and ten young breast cancer specialists from Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the Uzbek specialists expressed gratitude for organizers of the project and Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkey to exchange experience, participation in surgeries and research works. The NBCAU and TIKA representatives wished success in future works of the Uzbek doctors.

Next day, the delegation met with the head of department on control over cancer diseases of Ministry of Healthcare of Turkey Murat Gultekin and Secreatry-General of Turkish Federation of Societies on Fighting against Breast Cancer Can Atalay.

Murat Gultekin briefed the Uzbek delegation with experience and methods of combating cancer diseases in Turkey, statistics of revealing cancer diseases in various stages and their treatment. At the meeting, the Uzbek delegation also provided information on the activities of NBCAU, which is directed at preventing, revealing and treating breast cancer and other cancer diseases, etc.

On the same day, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training & Research Hospital hosted a ceremony on handing over certificates to participants of the project. The NBCAU delegation also got acquainted with the hospital and its equipment. The Uzbek side handed over gifts to doctors, who helped to train the Uzbek specialists.

A group of doctors recruited from regional breast care clinics in Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Navoi, Samarkand, Bukhara, Surkhandarya, Andijan, Namangan, Ferghana and Tashkent regions of Uzbekistan participated in a two-month training internship at the said hospital in Ankara.

Geared for breast care professionals, the collaborative project is an effort to share and swap experience, boost Uzbek doctors’ skills, and facilitate participation in surgeries and research work. The group has been divided into teams of 2 people each as part of the training. Each team worked under the supervision of one of the clinic’s professors. The Uzbek doctors participated in surgeries, examinations and patient consultation.

The NBCAU works to step up international humanitarian cooperation with an eye to creating better conditions in Uzbekistan for the treatment and rehabilitation of women diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, the Association signed a cooperation agreement with Susan G. Komen for the Cure (USA) as well as memorandums of cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and TIKA representative office in Uzbekistan. TIKA collaborates closely with Fund Forum, the Women’s Council, Mehr Nuri (Light of Mercy) Charity Foundation and the Social Initiatives Support Fund in organizing charity-based surgeries and supplying equipment for social facilities and other areas.

TIKA was established in January 1992 and is tasked with implementing Turkey’s development cooperation policy, providing assistance to developing countries and strengthening mutual ties in the areas of economy, culture, education, healthcare and social development. Presently, the Agency oversees activities in 37 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe and has Programme Coordination Offices in 23 partner countries. TIKA has been working in Uzbekistan since 1994 and runs economic, trading, technical, educational, social and cultural projects and programs. At the heart of TIKA’s efforts lies Turkey’s own expertise and experience.