Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been inaugurated in Termez

April 9, 2026, Termez, Uzbekistan — Today, the Government of Uzbekistan represented by the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, in partnership with the Government of the United States of America (USA) and through implementing partner the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), inaugurated a Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) in Termez, Surkhandarya region.

The PHEOC will serve as a regional coordination hub supporting real-time information sharing, operational planning and inter-agency collaboration during emergencies. Integrated within national systems, it will help ensure that responses to public health threats are timely, coherent and aligned with national leadership.

As noted by Bakhodir Yusupaliev, Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, the establishment of the center contributes to ongoing national reforms aimed at strengthening early detection of public health risks and improving emergency response mechanisms across Uzbekistan.

Established under the U.S. Government’s Global Health Security Program and implemented by UNICEF in close cooperation with national partners, the Center contributes to strengthening Uzbekistan’s emergency coordination systems in line with recommendations of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) under the International Health Regulations (2005).

The PHEOC in Termez, together with the center established in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, strengthens regional readiness by improving coordination among institutions, enabling rapid information exchange and supporting evidence-based decision-making during emergencies. It also provides a platform for simulation exercises, workforce training and strengthened preparedness planning across sectors.

By strengthening emergency coordination capacity at regional level, the Termez PHEOC will help reduce response times during disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies and support uninterrupted delivery of essential health services during crises. The Center strengthens preparedness systems serving over 3 million residents of Surkhandarya region, particularly benefiting children and vulnerable populations who are most affected by disruptions during emergencies.

“The U.S. Government has been funding emergency management in Uzbekistan since 2021,” said Jonathan Henick, U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan. “This Public Health Emergency Operations Center demonstrates America’s commitment to protecting both Uzbek and American lives. When Uzbekistan can detect and stop disease outbreaks quickly, it prevents threats from reaching the United States and disrupting American trade, travel, and supply chains. This facility delivers real security for the American people.”

The commissioning of the Termez PHEOC represents an important milestone in Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen national health security and contributes to building a more resilient, interoperable and responsive emergency preparedness system across the country.

“Strengthening preparedness systems is essential to protecting children and families during crises,” said Regina Maria Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “This Center strengthens coordination, improves response capacity and supports continuity of essential services when they are needed most.”

UNICEF remains committed to working alongside the Government of Uzbekistan and development partners to further strengthen emergency preparedness systems nationwide.

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For Media Enquiries:

Murodjon Ismoilov,  UNICEF Uzbekistan, Emergency, Climate Change & DRR Officer   

M: + 998 (90) 925-67-00; Email: [email protected]