In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a charity run, PINK UNITY RUN 2026, was held as part of the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as Pink October. Approximately 450 people participated in Ashgabat Park.
Participants included women suffering from cancer, their relatives, medical workers, volunteers, and residents of Tashkent. The event was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan and the Yashnabad district administration, with the official support of the Tashkent City Health Department, the Public Health Analysis Research Center, and Diana Bakman, who has survived breast cancer.
This initiative annually brings people together to promote women's health and mutual support. Pink October is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection, providing information on prevention and support for women with this disease. The pink ribbon is the symbol of the campaign.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first observed nationally in the United States in 1985, and the pink ribbon became an international symbol of the campaign in the early 1990s. Today, healthcare institutions, government bodies, public organizations, and businesses participate in events by organizing free screenings, information campaigns, sporting events, and charitable activities.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer among women. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, about 2.3 million women worldwide were affected by the disease, and approximately 670,000 people died from it. The chances of successful treatment significantly increase with early detection, making timely diagnosis a central element of the campaign.
Uzbekistan is implementing a state program to combat cervical and breast cancer for the period 2025–2030, approved by Presidential Decree No. PP-402 dated November 22, 2024. This program provides for the development of screening and early diagnosis, improvement of medical services, and increased public awareness.
Participants could choose a distance for running or walking—3, 5, or 10 kilometers. Alternative participation formats were provided for people undergoing treatment and families with children. Medical specialists in the park conducted free consultations and examinations for women, including ultrasound, mammography, cardiological check-ups, and vision tests.
At the 'Medical Corner,' participants received information on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and the necessity of regular medical check-ups. The program also included musical and dance performances, interactive activities, and prize giveaways. The event was curated by Ekaterina Shelyagina. One of the goals of the run was to raise funds for medical care for women requiring surgical treatment.
UNFPA has been working in Uzbekistan for over 30 years, supporting reproductive health, strengthening the healthcare system, and improving access to quality medical services. For the second consecutive year, the organization is collaborating with national partners to support the implementation of Decree No. PP-402 through awareness-raising activities focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer. As part of PINK UNITY RUN 2026, UNFPA provided organizational and informational support, including assistance in attracting young volunteers.