Region
European Region
Country
Uzbekistan
Date
-
Status
Assessment Date
P.3.1 National IHR Focal Point functions
2
P.6.1 Surveillance of foodborne diseases and contamination
2
P.5.2 Response to zoonotic diseases
2
P.5.1 Surveillance of zoonotic diseases
3
P.4.2 Surveillance of AMR
4
P.4.1 Multisectoral coordination on AMR
4
P.3.4 Antimicrobial stewardship activities
2
P.3.3 Strategic planning for IHR, preparedness or health security
2
P.3.2 Multisectoral coordination mechanisms
2
P.2.1 Financial resources for IHR implementation
4
P.7.1 Whole-of-government biosafety and biosecurity system is in place for human, animal and agriculture facilities
4
P.1.3 A financing mechanism and funds are available for timely response to public health emergencies
3
P.1.2 Gender equity and equality in health emergencies
3
P.1.1 Legal instruments
3
D.4.4 FETP or other applied epidemiology training programme in place
4
D.4.3 In-service trainings are available
3
D.4.2 Human resources are available to effectively implement IHR
3
D.4.1 An up-to-date multi-sectoral workforce strategy is in place
3
P.6.2 Response and management of food safety emergencies
3
P.7.2 Biosafety and biosecurity training and practices in all relevant sectors (including human, animal and agriculture)
4
D.2.2 Event verification and investigation
3
Recommendation P6
Revise the national “dangerous pathogens and toxins” list with multisectoral partners to ensure it reflects key pathogens that WHO, OIE, and FAO standards require Member States to detect, assess, report, and respond to. Formalize the final list through an appropriate multisectoral agreement.
Enforce national legislation “On Biological Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan” to modernize and codify biosafety and biosecurity authorities, ensure sustained funding, and establish national implementation requirements. The updated legislation should cover national biorisk assessments and management, enforcement, training standards, quality management standards, and internal and external audit/validation procedures.
In coordination with Uzbekistan’s National Health System Strengthening Initiative, develop and implement a national biosafety and biosecurity information management system that enables multisectoral monitoring and maintenance of inventory records for all priority pathogens and toxins, and manages facility licensing records and facility incident/containment reporting and investigation.
Perform a multisectoral biorisk assessment that includes the human, animal and agriculture sectors. Review practices and procedures for detection by local level clinicians or laboratories up to national reference laboratory confirmatory testing and maintenance of national inventories. Determine the full scope of requirements for biosecurity, biosafety, and biocontainment of infectious agents and toxins.
Expand current national achievements in accreditation and certification that allow national laboratories to engage, partner, and share with relevant international bodies, for example in sample sharing and certification and maintenance of BSL3 laboratories. Pursue ISO 35001 Biorisk management for laboratories and related facilities, starting with national laboratories then moving to subsequent tiers of the system.
Recommendation Re1
Consolidate legal instruments on radiation safety and nuclear security in line with international basic safety standards (i.e. IAEA GSR Part 7) and join the Conventions on Notification and Assistance.
Strengthen cross-sectoral coordination in radiation emergency preparedness and response (including all-hazards surveillance, reporting, preparedness, and response).
Develop case management protocols, resources and capacities for diagnosis and treatment of radiation injuries and internal contamination, individual monitoring and dose assessment, and addressing the non-radiological impact of nuclear emergencies.
Ensure access to external expertise through international cooperation for research and development in radiation emergency medicine.
Recommendation R5
Strengthen the national all-hazards risk communication plan to broaden its scope, update it in line with international best practices, and embed risk communication as a strategic function within the health emergency response system.
Review the human and financial resources allocated to risk communication to ensure they align with the objectives of the updated plan. Make full use of possibilities for collaboration and sharing resources both within government (e.g. with the Ministry of Emergency Situations) and with partners.
Make monitoring and analysis of rumours and signals from social media and offline social listening a joint responsibility shared between the Emergency Operations Centre and the Risk Communication team.
Make an official request from the Ministry of Health to WHO to provide technical assistance to update and strengthen the national all-hazards risk communication plan, and implement a programme of tailored capacity building that upgrades risk communication functions in line with the priorities identified in the plan. In the longer term, the Ministry should ensure risk communication is a priority area for technical assistance in its bi-annual WHO Country Cooperation Strategy.
Recommendation R4
Bring plans that are described in Decrees, Resolutions and Orders into clear focus by preparing short operational plans and SOPs that clarify roles and responsibilities, so they be exercised and monitored.
Develop robust SOPs that permit timely receipt of medical countermeasures in cases of acute events that inflict mass causalities (e.g. earthquakes, cyclones, chemical emergencies, etc.).
Create medium and long-term plans to develop an Uzbekistan Emergency Medical Team under WHO mentorship, and gain WHO accreditation for the team as an internationally deployable asset.
Review case management protocols and expand them to include robust protocols for managing chemical and radiological cases. Integrate these into training across a wide range of medical and health-aligned professions.
Recommendation R2
Integrate the veterinary, wildlife and environment sectors into the Coordinating Commission.
Conduct strategic risk assessments and resource mapping in all administrative areas.
Implement the existing PHEOC development plan in full.
Recommendation R1
Finalize and approve the updated national multisectoral multi-hazard plan and revise SOPs accordingly.
Implement a strategic health emergency risk assessment that includes hazard prioritization, considering exposures, capacities and vulnerabilities in all relevant sectors at subnational levels.
Conduct a mapping exercise that catalogues all national and subnational resources and expertise for emergency response.
Conduct a review of inventory and logistical protocols and implement any resulting recommendations.
Develop and implement training on all-hazards emergency preparedness and response at subnational level, emphasizing cross-sectoral communication and emergency management.
Recommendation POE1
Establish a sustainable vector surveillance and control plan addressing the importation of vectors and their associated pathogens at Uzbek points of entry.
In partnership with relevant stakeholders, develop SOPs that clearly integrate the points of entry contingency plan into the National Emergency Response Plan. Implement these SOPs.
Establish mutual agreements with neighbouring countries that develop joint capacities for early detection and notification of, and response to, public health events at ground crossings.
Recommendation P7
Implement the electronic immunization database at all levels of the health system.
Create and operationalize a system of monitoring and reporting AEFI at all health facilities.
Develop an outreach and communication campaign that encourages primary health care physicians proactively to offer science-based immunization advice and vaccinations to their patients.
Extend computerized monitoring of vaccine store management (EVSM) to districts and ensure full coverage and interconnection with the national system. This should cover both new and current equipment.
Recommendation P5
Establish a dedicated national food safety authority or agency to coordinate and streamline information sharing and responses to outbreaks of foodborne diseases across relevant sectors.
Develop a training plan to increase capacity in epidemiology and food safety risk assessment and communication.
Appoint an INFOSAN contact person.
Conduct a review of food safety legislation. Following the review, update legislation based on the results to bring it in line with international regulations and the requirements of the SPS agreement.
Introduce electronic reporting systems and modern food safety approaches at various levels (including but not limited to HACCP, GMP and ISO standards).
R.1.1 Emergency risk assessment and readiness
3
Recommendation p4
Establish a One Health Coordination Committee that provides a robust platform for intersectoral engagement on zoonoses, AMR and food safety. This recommendation aligns with those of the OIE PVS evaluations and gap analysis recently completed in Uzbekistan.
Develop SOPs to strengthen surveillance of and response to zoonotic diseases (including for wildlife), including but not limited to SOPs for sample collection and transport, use of laboratory diagnostics, exchange of information, and joint response actions.
Update the list of zoonotic diseases of public health concern to reflect epidemiologically significant zoonoses prevalent in Uzbekistan.
Establish real-time, interoperable electronic reporting systems that facilitate joint action by the human and animal health sectors and improve cross-sectoral collaboration at provincial level.
Create emergency funding systems for the human and animal sectors that include compensation/indemnities for any losses caused by timely investigation and control of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Recommendation P3
Establish AMR surveillance activities in the animal sector according to OIE PVS recommendations and build on lessons and systems established within the human health AMR surveillance system. Further steps for the animal sector would include IPC and limiting the use of antimicrobials in animal production.
Finalize and implement a multisectoral National AMR Action Plan, specifically including the initiation of a functional coordination mechanism for identified stakeholders across the human and animal health sectors. Eventually, coordination should be facilitated through a One Health platform and should include zoonotic diseases and food safety.
Review existing international AMR projects (e.g., the establishment of Uzbekistan’s five pilot surveillance sites) to identify challenges to the implementation of the national programme, with the ultimate aim of establishing a routine nationwide AMR surveillance programme and ensuring cross sectoral linkages between the human and animal sectors.
Begin reporting available AMR surveillance data to relevant GLASS databases with the aim of expanding Uzbekistan’s contribution of data to the global AMR surveillance system.
Enforce the prescription requirement for purchasing antimicrobials at pharmacies, and establish appropriate AMR use practices (i.e. antimicrobial stewardship) among health care providers in clinical facilities.
Recommendation P2
Organize annual simulation exercises to test communication, coordination and collaboration between the IHR NFP and the identified state bodies responsible for IHR implementation.
Conduct a mapping exercise to identify focal points across all state bodies for national implementation of the IHR, to improve and enhance multisectoral communication and collaboration.
Complete and implement the digital information sharing system(s) currently in development, to improve timely communication with the identified state bodies responsible for IHR implementation.
Approve and implement the Plan of Action on Prevention and Mitigation of Natural and Man-made Emergency Consequences before the end of 2022.
Recommendation P1
Conduct an assessment of all relevant national legislation related to IHR and implement the resulting recommendations.
Develop legal instruments that ensure adequate financing for implementation of the IHR national action plan, including for responses to public health emergencies at all levels.
R.3.1 Case management
4
R.2.3 Emergency Operations Program
4
R.2.2 Emergency Operations Center Operating Procedures and Plans
3
R.2.1 Public health and security authorities (e.g. law enforcement, border control, customs) are linked during a suspect or
3
R.1.2 Public health emergency operations centre (PHEOC)
3
D.2.3 Analysis and information sharing
4
D.2.1 Early warning surveillance function
3
D.1.4 Effective national diagnostic network
3
R4: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
R5: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
PoE: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
CE: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
RE: Average Capacities Score(%)
80
Recommendation Ce1
Strengthen the legal basis for regulating hazardous chemicals and responding to chemical events. Clarify the responsibilities of different sectors and stakeholders and establish mechanisms of enforcement, systems for collecting and exchanging information, and principles of chemical risk assessment. Make continuous risk assessments a legal requirement.
Establish a poison centre according to WHO recommendations.
Create databases containing information on hazardous chemicals and chemical products, and their producers and importers. Make the database accessible online for authorized stakeholders.
Implement the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals and their Mixtures.
Develop a training programme to strengthen capacities for sound management of chemicals and effective responses to chemical emergencies in the health sector. Establish a national roster of experts in chemicals management.
Recommendation D1
Reassess and revise the national priority list of pathogens with multisectoral partners to ensure it reflects key pathogens and toxins that WHO, OIE, and FAO standards require Member States to detect, assess, report, and respond to. Approve and publish the final comprehensive list through an appropriate multisectoral agreement.
In coordination with the Uzbekistan 2030 Health Systems initiative and efforts to strengthen the national health information system, develop and implement a national multisectoral laboratory information management system to enhance reporting, monitoring and information sharing across the entire national laboratory system.
Establish and fund a national laboratory quality management programme under the authority of the National Reference Laboratory. The National Reference Laboratory should oversee national laboratory engagement, partnerships, and sharing with international accreditation and certification bodies (e.g. sample sharing). This programme should include alignment with international standards, accreditations, and guidance (e.g. ISO standards and those of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the WHO Biosafety Manual and the Laboratory Quality Management System).
Establish a national multisectoral referral transportation programme that is trained, capable, and sufficiently well-funded to ensure that samples for advanced diagnostics can be shipped to the national laboratory system from at least 80% of districts.
Assess risks to the national laboratory supply chain. Based on the results of the risk assessment, develop a plan to ensure supply chain risk management is in place to assure that high quality laboratory supplies are available in time of need.
Assessment End Date
Recommendation D3
Develop and implement all SOPs, guidelines and training programmes required to ensure the reporting of all-hazards health emergencies, including chemical incidents, radiation emergencies, and other man-made and natural disasters.
Review and expand the scope of reporting by the IHR NFP, and ensure that all potential public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) are notified to WHO.
Conduct regular trainings on the use of IHR Annex 2. Organize and implement regular, multisectoral tabletop and simulation exercises designed to enable the notification of PHEIC within 24 hours.
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Recommendation D4
Scale up the continuous education programme (CPE) and ensure that relevant hazard specific programmes, professional bodies, and institutions of higher learning perform regular updates of the curricula in collaboration with relevant partners.
Scale up the FETP programme to increase uptake and thereby enhance epidemiological capacity at intermediate and local levels.
Introduce an FETP-V programme designed to enhance workforce capacity for addressing zoonotic infectious hazards within the One Health framework.
CE.1 Mechanisms are established and functioning for detecting and responding to chemical events or emergencies
3
R.4.1 IPC programmes
3
Recommendation R3
Develop risk assessment tools to assist in risk prioritization (forecasting) and related SOPs that support multisectoral engagement in risk assessment.
Conduct a review of forecasting at national, regional and district levels and implement the recommendations to facilitate the placement of countermeasures, personnel and resources.
D.3.1 Multisectoral workforce strategy
3
R.4.2 HCAI surveillance
3
D.3.2 Human resources for implementation of IHR
3
R.4.3 Safe environment in health facilities
4
Recommendation D2
Assess the potential added value of event-based surveillance (EBS) and, based on the results of the assessment, conduct the necessary training and implement the necessary EBS at all levels.
Implement the recommendations of the recent evaluation of the national surveillance system.
Assess ICT resources at all levels of the national surveillance system and allocate resources to provide or update equipment and capacity as necessary.
Participate in international training activities to increase local epidemiological capacity and offer exchange visits with international partner institutions for technical experts.
Develop and implement a statutory electronic surveillance system for all levels of the veterinary, wildlife and environment sectors. Ensure interoperability with the systems used in other sectors.
R.5.1 RCCE systems for emergencies
2
R.5.2 Risk communication
4
R.5.3 Community engagement
4
R.5.4 Communication Engagement with Affected Communities
2
R.5.5 Dynamic Listening and Rumour Management
3
D.1.1 Specimen referral and transport system
3
D.1.2 Laboratory quality system
3
D.1.3 Laboratory testing capacity modalities
3
RE.2 Enabling environment in place for management of radiological and nuclear emergencies
4
RE.1 Mechanisms are established and functioning for detecting and responding to radiological and nuclear emergencies.
4
PoE.1 Core capacity requirements at all times for PoEs (airports, ports and ground crossings)
3
PoE.2 Public health response at PoEs
3
P1: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
P2: Average Capacities Score(%)
80
P3: Average Capacities Score(%)
40
P4: Average Capacities Score(%)
50
P5: Average Capacities Score(%)
50
P6: Average Capacities Score(%)
50
P7: Average Capacities Score(%)
80
D1: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
D2: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
D3: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
D4: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
R1: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
R2: Average Capacities Score(%)
60
R3: Average Capacities Score(%)
80