The First Lady of Uzbekistan, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Global Network for Support of Children with Serious Illnesses for a two-year term. This international initiative was announced during the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer, held in Samarkand as part of the World Summit on Child Well-being, according to the press service of the Zamin Foundation.
The new network will unite first ladies and spouses of heads of state to promote international cooperation, exchange experiences, and provide assistance to children suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases, including cancer.
The initiative was presented by Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Vice President of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Director of St. Jude Global in the United States. Mirziyoyeva's appointment to the chairmanship was officially formalized during the congress.
Addressing the event, the First Lady of Uzbekistan called on the international community, governments, scientists, and humanitarian organizations to join forces to meet the needs of children requiring medical care.
Mirziyoyeva stated: 'Illness and suffering do not recognize political borders, nationality, or income level. Let us unite for the future well-being so that no child and no family is left alone with their pain.'
The Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer was held under the slogan 'From Treatment to Quality of Life.' Participants included representatives of healthcare bodies from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, as well as the World Health Organization, the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, the European School of Oncology, foreign university hospitals and medical centers, research organizations, and civil society groups.
The network is intended to strengthen international cooperation in the field of supporting children with severe ailments. Mirziyoyeva's appointment underscores Uzbekistan's efforts to develop services in pediatric oncology and expand children's access to quality healthcare.
