Health systems in transition : Uzbekistan

2.6 Intersectorality
Although there are few specific mechanisms or structures for considering 
health issues in policies across sectors (one example being the Emergency 
Anti-epidemic Commission), the government has repeatedly used an intersectoral 
approach to tackle health-related issues. One recent example relates to tobacco 
control, building on cooperation between different government departments. 
Legislation enacted in 2011 requires cigarette packages to have a health warning 
covering at least 40% of their surface. It also prohibits tobacco advertising and 
the sale of tobacco products to those younger than 20 years. Smoking in public 
venues, such as bus or train stops, health care institutions, and educational and 
sport facilities has also been banned (Republic of Uzbekistan, 2011). 
Other examples of intersectoral approaches are the response to HIV/AIDS 
and iodine deficiency. The government has developed an HIV/AIDS action 
plan that involves the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 
local government offices (Cabinet of Ministers, 2009a). Efforts to tackle iodine-
deficiency disorders include legislation that mandates iodinization of a number 
of food products (Republic of Uzbekistan, 2007). In general, an intersectoral 

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Health systems in transition
  
Uzbekistan
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approach is often donor-driven. For instance, the Country Coordination 
Mechanism (CCM), led by the Deputy Prime Minister, has been established 
for managing Global Fund grants related to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, 
and an Interagency Coordination Committee discusses immunization issues. 
A number of other coordination mechanisms have been established to manage 
various projects, such as those related to climate change and health, and the 
development of a noncommunicable disease strategy and action plan.