Accelerating its health system transformation, Uzbekistan will host a High-level policy dialogue and a WHO Barcelona course on health financing for universal health coverage (UHC) from 2 to 5 June 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The event is organized by WHO and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Uzbekistan and GIZ BACKUP Health) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MoEF) of Uzbekistan and the State Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). GIZ BACKUP Health implements its support to Uzbekistan with financing from the Swiss Government.
About the High-level policy dialogue (2 June 2025, Hilton Tashkent City)
Uzbekistan is making bold strides in health system reform, with a vision to accelerate progress towards UHC and ensure affordable access to health care for all. Following the introduction of reforms in the demonstration platform in Syrdarya region, the country is now scaling up a state-funded health insurance model with the goal of full implementation by 2027.
The High-level policy dialogue will bring together senior representatives from the MoH, MoEF, SHIF, regional health departments and development partners. The event will:
- reflect on the progress in health financing reforms, lessons learned and challenges from different perspectives;
- review recommendations from the 2023 WHO health reform implementation review; and
- agree on policy priorities for scaling up.
About the WHO Barcelona course on health financing for UHC (2–5 June 2025, Panarams Tashkent Hotel)
Adapted from the renowned WHO Barcelona course, this tailored training programme will build capacity among national and regional decision-makers to support Uzbekistan’s ambitious health financing reforms.
Designed for MoH, MoEF and SHIF staff, health managers and policy-makers, the course will cover key modules, including:
- health system framework and aligning policy tools
- ensuring financial protection and equitable service coverage
- raising and pooling funds
- strategic purchasing of services
- redesigning benefit packages.
Delivered through interactive discussions, practical exercises and real-life case studies, the course will enable participants to:
- deepen their understanding of health financing systems and UHC principles
- analyse data and identify financing gaps
- explore global best practices and tailor solutions to the Uzbek context
- strengthen intersectoral collaboration for successful reform implementation.
Why it matters
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Uzbekistan’s health system. By investing in people, processes and policy dialogue, Uzbekistan is setting the stage for a stronger, more efficient and more equitable health system.
For more information on participation and the agenda, please contact: eurowhouzb@who.int.