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In recent years, the country has been conducting large-scale work aimed at improving public health protection and enhancing the quality of treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of premature mortality. Special attention is paid to the early detection and fight against familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which was designated by the World Cardiology Fund in its 2022 Cholesterol Combat Roadmap as one of the most serious global problems.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disease inherited from parents to offspring. In people suffering from this disease, the level of 'bad' cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins) is initially elevated. This differs from ordinary cholesterol elevation caused by poor nutrition or lifestyle; it is an innate genetic defect in the body's cholesterol cleansing system. The main danger is that persistently high blood cholesterol levels lead to deposition on the walls of blood vessels, causing them to narrow and become blocked, which can lead to serious risks such as ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, or stroke, even at a young age.

Since the disease often progresses silently, it cannot be fully diagnosed with a simple blood test. Modern genetic tests are required for early risk detection, after which patients are prescribed special therapies, medications, and medical monitoring to prevent complications.

Raano Aliyeva, senior researcher at the Laboratory of the Republican Specialized Center of Cardiology and Secretary of the Association of Cardiologists of Uzbekistan, shared her opinion regarding scientific solutions, the latest research results, and practical measures for this problem. She noted that given the high rate of cardiovascular diseases in the country and their link to atherosclerosis, immediate action is necessary. Specifically, FH is an innate monogenic disease that patients are often unaware of.

She provided examples of the scale of the problem: if we take the average prevalence of heterozygous FH in Europe (1 case per 200 people), then among the population of Uzbekistan, which numbers 38 million people, there may be about 190 thousand citizens. According to data, myocardial infarctions in the age group of 25–55 account for 20% of cases and can lead to severe consequences, including sudden death.

This is why, within the framework of a scientific grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, titled 'Development of protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of primary dyslipidemia,' work has begun to assess the entire spectrum of FH genetic variants using advanced technology—next-generation sequencing (NGS). This three-year project includes three stages of sequencing. It was conducted for the first time on patients with ischemic heart disease, whereas previously genetic studies were only conducted to identify hereditary diseases in children.

A positive aspect is that in the first stage of the project in 2025, 10 pathogenic genetic variants and 21 variants of uncertain significance were identified among patients with ischemic heart disease and FH. These unique results allow for cascade screening in families. This, in turn, contributes to effective primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by early detection of the disease in close relatives, including young children.

This study marks the first step not only in Uzbekistan but also in the Central Asian region in mapping the spectrum of FH genetic variants. It contributes to global efforts to comprehensively study the genetic diversity of familial hypercholesterolemia and develop advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.

The results of this scientific study have been highly praised by the international scientific community and were published in the authoritative journal PLOS One. For systemic problem-solving and implementation of best practices, the Republican Specialized Center of Cardiology collaborates with the Association of Cardiologists of Uzbekistan in several prestigious international projects. In particular, they participate in initiatives of the European Atherosclerosis Society, such as 'FHSC' (Global Initiative), 'ScreenProFH' (Eastern Europe Screening Project), 'HICC' (International Collaboration on Homozygous FH), as well as in the 'Lipid Clinic Network' projects of the European Atherosclerosis Society, starting from 2025.

Furthermore, joint activities with the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee and other industry organizations are being carried out to promote a healthy lifestyle among the population and timely identification of risk groups. These efforts contribute to elevating our medicine to a global level and reliably protecting the health of citizens.

India is globally recognized for its advanced medical education, high-tech pharmaceutical industry, and significant achievements in producing affordable and quality medicines. International recognition of its expertise in innovative treatment methods, modern clinics, and medical education contributes to strengthening bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and India in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

To further strengthen this cooperation, during the visit of the Director of the Agency for the Development of Medicine and Pharmaceuticals, Abdulla Azizov, to the Republic of India, a meeting was held with the management and representatives of ERA University at the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum venue.

During this meeting, issues regarding the development of cooperation in medicine, medical education, and scientific research, improving the quality of personnel training, and implementing joint projects were discussed. During the negotiations, ERA University put forward an initiative to establish a modern clinic in the Karakalpakstan Republic specializing in the early diagnosis, detection, and treatment of rare diseases.

Furthermore, the parties exchanged views on the prospects of launching joint educational programs in medicine and pharmaceuticals, developing academic exchange, conducting scientific research, and enhancing specialist qualifications.

Following the meeting, the parties stated their readiness to expand practical cooperation in medicine and medical education, jointly implement promising projects, and consistently develop bilateral ties.

As part of the visit of the Director of the Agency for the Development of Medicine and Pharmaceuticals, Abdulla Azizov, to the Republic of India, he also participated in a round table organized at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India under the leadership of the Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov.

The event was held with the assistance of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Dr. Vikramjit Singh Saxena, Chairman of the International Council of CII, as well as leaders and representatives of major Indian companies operating in the pharmaceutical, chemical, banking, and other strategic sectors, took part.

The round table discussed Uzbekistan's investment potential, reforms being carried out in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, prospects for creating high value-added production, technology transfer, and implementing joint investment projects.

Indian entrepreneurs also presented their proposals and initiatives regarding expanding investment activities in Uzbekistan, establishing joint ventures, and strengthening cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

The meeting with the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of India, Piyush Goyal, was dedicated to further expanding trade and economic and investment partnership between Uzbekistan and India, increasing mutual trade volumes, developing industrial cooperation, and supporting joint investment projects.

Particular attention at the meeting was paid to deepening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. Prospects for the production of medicines and medical devices, technology transfer, scientific research, implementation of innovative developments, and realization of joint projects with high added value were discussed.

In conclusion, the parties emphasized that it is crucial to consistently continue the dialogue on strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and India, expanding business ties, and realizing future joint projects.

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRCongo) has already resulted in over 1,700 deaths, with a total of 3,802 cases registered to date, according to the latest update provided by the national government, neighboring Angola.

Jean Kaseya, director-general of the African Union's public health agency, Africa CDC, warned during his second visit to the city of Bunia, near the disease epicenter, that it is not yet possible to determine when the epidemic will reach its peak. Kaseya emphasized that about 80% of new cases are not detected through contact tracing, but rather through community transmission.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), plans to arrive today in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, and is expected to visit Bunia later this week. The epidemic, which was declared on May 15, is linked to the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.

The response to the crisis has been hampered by several factors, according to the Africa CDC, including delays in contact tracing, access problems to affected regions, mistrust from communities, and acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups and some local residents.

In terms of research, two clinical trials of post-exposure prophylaxis drugs are underway in the Ituri province, in addition to two separate vaccine trials conducted in the United Kingdom and Canada. This outbreak is mainly concentrated in the remote Ituri province, in eastern DRCongo, responsible for almost 90% of the cases, although cases have been confirmed in five other provinces, including the large city of Kisangani.

Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda announced that it was free of Ebola after the last patient left the country in mid-June. A significant challenge remains the lack of identification of the index patient, aggravated by displacements caused by armed conflict and illegal mining in the area, which prevents the tracing of thousands of people exposed to the infected.

The WHO reported that it is monitoring more than 17,000 potential contacts, approximately 80% of whom are observed daily. Recently, health professionals in the city of Mongbwalu, a severely affected area, presented an ultimatum regarding pending salaries. Previously, there were strikes by health professionals in Bunia due to non-payment and dangerous working conditions. The WHO also reported that more than 100 health professionals have been infected since the beginning of the epidemic, making them the 17th person in the country.