Cancer control presents a significant challenge that requires a clear vision and persistent action from the health-care system, local and national authorities, health professionals, and communities. On World Cancer Day 2025, WHO/Europe highlights Kyrgyzstan’s journey and achievements in tackling cancer.
Cancer remains a substantial burden in Kyrgyzstan, with over 33 400 cases currently registered, according to national data. Meanwhile, cancer-related deaths have remained high: between 2020 and 2023, annual fatalities ranged from 3352 to 3539.
The country aims to reduce the high burden of the disease by implementing a series of oncology initiatives leveraging opportunities available within the WHO European Region and beyond.
“Today, it is clear to many stakeholders that advancing cancer programmes can bring significant public health benefits to Kyrgyzstan, and we are witnessing this vision gradually becoming mainstream,” says Dr Sultan Stambekov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chief Paediatric Oncologist.
Cancer programmes for a healthier future
Kyrgyzstan is making steady progress in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment through close collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan and WHO/Europe, including through 3 major cancer programmes on:
- eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem through vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and early diagnosis of cervical cancer;
- improving early diagnosis of breast cancer; and
- enhancing the survival rate of children with cancer by improving diagnosis and treatment.
Ms Aliina Altymysheva, National Professional Officer at the WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, explains, “Cancer affects many aspects of society and remains a sensitive topic in Kyrgyzstan, as it does in many other countries across the Region. That’s why every cancer-related initiative must begin with dialogue, bringing together health professionals, decision-makers and key stakeholders to share their perspectives and aspirations.”
Cervical and breast cancers: better protocols, better protection
Kyrgyzstan has adopted WHO-recommended strategies, including the WHO package of essential noncommunicable disease (NCD) interventions known as the PEN protocol, which emphasizes early diagnosis. This evidence-based approach, piloted in 2020, revealed bottlenecks and barriers that highlight the need for more efficient resource allocation. The goal is to achieve better outcomes by identifying cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Through these efforts, Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce incidence and mortality rates of cervical and breast cancers. Key accomplishments have included the development of the first clinical protocol on cervical pre-cancer lesions, and the rollout of the HPV vaccination programme.
HPV causes over 90% of cervical cancer cases, which can be safely prevented through timely vaccination. Over 60% of eligible girls in the country have already received the vaccine – a crucial step in the elimination of cervical cancer. The current goal is to reach at least 70% coverage among girls.
The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO/Europe, has implemented educational campaigns to raise awareness and ensure high vaccination coverage, helping to protect future generations from one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Public awareness campaigns, training for health-care workers and improvements in diagnostic services have all contributed to enhancing access to timely breast cancer care as well.
Childhood cancer: a rapidly evolving field for Kyrgyzstan
Until recent years, childhood cancer care in Kyrgyzstan was largely underdeveloped, with no specialized paediatric oncology services available. In collaboration with WHO/Europe and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the United States of America, the country has made significant advancements.
The establishment of specialized paediatric oncology units in Bishkek and Osh, the alignment of clinical protocols with international standards, the first bone marrow transplant, and the establishment of the Society of Paediatric Oncologists and Haematologists in 2024 all mark important milestones on the way to improving survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer.
“Before 2020, paediatric oncology was not even recognized as a separate specialty in Kyrgyzstan. Today, we have a fully operational paediatric oncology school, and we have seen an 87-fold increase in resources and funding dedicated to this field,” points out Dr Stambekov.
Participation in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and the introduction of a unified national cancer registry have provided Kyrgyzstan with critical data to guide policy decisions and ensure children receive standardized and evidence-based cancer care.
Reaching out to stakeholders: dialogue is key
Kyrgyzstan's progress in cancer prevention and care is a result of effective collaboration between the Government, international partners and civil society. The First Lady of Kyrgyzstan was among the first major stakeholders to express interest in childhood cancer and the overall oncological agenda in the country.
This political shift and strong support from decision-makers have significantly increased funding for cancer services, leading to new diagnostic facilities and collaboration with international experts to adapt best practices to local contexts.
The road ahead
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Kyrgyzstan continues to face shortages of specialized health-care workers, limited access to the latest treatment options and ongoing financial constraints. However, the country’s collaboration with WHO/Europe on cancer control provides a solid foundation for future improvements. By leveraging its partnerships with WHO and other stakeholders, the country is well on its way to building a more resilient health system that can address the cancer burden more effectively.
Dr Vitaly Smelov, Technical Officer with the Cancer Team of WHO/Europe’s Special Initiative for NCDs and Innovation, notes, “We are seeing how actively Kyrgyzstan specialists are participating in international trainings and workshops, and how motivated they are to bring the best practices and knowledge to improve the health of the people. That is very inspiring for our team at WHO/Europe to see.”
Dr Smelov adds, “That’s exactly the driving idea behind the WHO European Programme of Work 2026–2030. Countries of our Region deserve more opportunities to reach better health, at all times and everywhere.”