Today, February 18, a national conference titled "Pediatric Oncology in Kyrgyzstan: From Global Standards to Local Victories — New Horizons 2026" was held in Bishkek. The event was timed to coincide with the month of raising awareness about childhood cancer.
The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic reported that the conference discussed achievements in pediatric oncology after Kyrgyzstan joined the WHO global initiative. According to data, about 200–220 new cases of cancer in children are recorded annually in the country. The increase in diagnoses in recent years is linked to improved diagnostic methods, the implementation of clinical protocols, and the development of a national cancer registry.
Participants in the conference included Deputy Minister of Health Bakytbek Kadyraliev, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, representatives of the World Health Organization, heads of medical institutions, as well as international partners and medical experts.
In his speech, Bakytbek Kadyraliev emphasized the importance of implementing modern treatment methods, including preparation for the use of CAR-T therapy. He noted: "The development of pediatric oncology is not just a matter of image, but a matter of saved lives. It is necessary to create a sustainable system where children's treatment does not depend on charitable funds. We aim to reduce the number of forced trips abroad, develop high-tech assistance within the country, and strengthen international cooperation."
In Kyrgyzstan, specialized departments for pediatric oncology and oncohematology operate in Bishkek and Osh. In 2024, the country performed its first autologous bone marrow transplant for a child, marking a significant step in the development of high technologies in medicine. Work continues to expand the transplantation program, create modern laboratories, and implement new treatment methods.
Sultan Stambekov, head of the pediatric oncology department at the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, noted that the service has reached a new level of development in recent years. "Kyrgyzstan, as part of the WHO Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, can implement international treatment standards and develop a system based on evidence-based medicine. Our goal is to gradually increase survival rates to levels characteristic of developed countries and ensure children have access to modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods, including bone marrow transplantation and cell technologies," he added.
Particular attention was paid to issues of early disease detection, training of medical personnel, and expanding laboratory capabilities.
As a result of the conference, participants confirmed their intention to continue developing interagency cooperation, strengthening international ties, and implementing new projects aimed at increasing survival rates for children with cancer and achieving strategic goals by 2030.
