Global Network for Supporting Children with Serious Illnesses Established in Samarkand
Uzbekistan
A Global Network for Supporting Children with Serious Illnesses has been established in Samarkand, coinciding with the 2nd International Congress on Pediatric Cancer and the World Summit on Children’s Well-being (October 21–22, 2026). Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, the First Lady of Uzbekistan, has been appointed chair of the organization for a two-year term. The initiative, announced by St. Jude Vice President Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, aims to bring together the first ladies of various nations to share expertise and expand access to medical care. The congress addressed the disparity in survival rates for children with cancer: over 80% in high-income countries, compared to less than 30% in low- and middle-income countries. The global objective is to reach a survival rate of at least 60% by 2030, while also providing rehabilitation and psychological support.
The creation of a Global Network for Supporting Children with Serious and Life-Threatening Illnesses—including cancer—was announced in Samarkand. Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, the First Lady of Uzbekistan, has assumed the role of chair for a two-year term. The announcement was made during the 2nd International Congress on Pediatric Cancer, themed "From Recovery to Quality of Life," which is being held alongside the World Summit on Children’s Well-being on October 21–22.
The network’s establishment was announced by Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Vice President of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Director of St. Jude Global. The initiative seeks to unite first ladies and spouses of heads of state to foster international cooperation and the exchange of experience, with the goal of expanding support for children in need of specialized medical care. The congress brought together representatives from the health authorities of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, as well as the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the European School of Oncology, and various international university clinics and medical centers.
Speaking at the event, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva urged governments, scientists, international organizations, and the humanitarian community to join forces for the sake of children. "Illness and suffering recognize no political borders, nationalities, or income levels. Let us unite for a better future, ensuring that no child or family is left to face their pain alone," she stated.
A central theme of the congress was the disparity in access to treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year. While more than 80% of patients recover in high-income countries, this figure is less than 30% in many low- and middle-income nations. The global objective is to increase the survival rate for children with cancer worldwide to at least 60% by 2030.
Participants placed special emphasis not only on medical treatment but also on rehabilitation, psychological support, education, and the quality of life following recovery. A performance by children from "Mehrli Maktab" served as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of hope, family support, and the opportunity to return to a full, meaningful life.
The establishment of a global network is intended to strengthen international cooperation and expand the capacity to provide care for children with serious illnesses, regardless of their country of residence or their family’s financial situation.
The network’s establishment was announced by Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Vice President of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Director of St. Jude Global. The initiative seeks to unite first ladies and spouses of heads of state to foster international cooperation and the exchange of experience, with the goal of expanding support for children in need of specialized medical care. The congress brought together representatives from the health authorities of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, as well as the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the European School of Oncology, and various international university clinics and medical centers.
Speaking at the event, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva urged governments, scientists, international organizations, and the humanitarian community to join forces for the sake of children. "Illness and suffering recognize no political borders, nationalities, or income levels. Let us unite for a better future, ensuring that no child or family is left to face their pain alone," she stated.
A central theme of the congress was the disparity in access to treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year. While more than 80% of patients recover in high-income countries, this figure is less than 30% in many low- and middle-income nations. The global objective is to increase the survival rate for children with cancer worldwide to at least 60% by 2030.
Participants placed special emphasis not only on medical treatment but also on rehabilitation, psychological support, education, and the quality of life following recovery. A performance by children from "Mehrli Maktab" served as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of hope, family support, and the opportunity to return to a full, meaningful life.
The establishment of a global network is intended to strengthen international cooperation and expand the capacity to provide care for children with serious illnesses, regardless of their country of residence or their family’s financial situation.
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