Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have launched a cross-border cooperation project aimed at strengthening sanitary and epidemiological security at the Oybek–Fotehobod border crossing point (BCP).

The project was presented at a meeting attended by representatives of the two countries’ sanitary and epidemiological authorities, the International Organization for Migration, the Asian Development Bank, relevant government agencies and international experts, UzDaily reported, citing Uzbekistan’s Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health.

The Oybek BCP is located in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent region, while Fotehobod BCP is in Tajikistan’s Sughd province. The BCP is an important route between Tashkent and Khujand.

The project envisages the creation of an intersectoral working group and mechanisms for exchanging information between the two countries.

It will also focus on strengthening epidemiological surveillance and developing measures to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Another component will assess the healthcare needs of people living in border areas and mobile population groups.

Botirjon Qurbonov, deputy chairman of Uzbekistan’s Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, said the Oybek and Fotehobod checkpoints are strategically important facilities on the Tashkent–Khujand route.

He stressed the need to strengthen sanitary and epidemiological controls and improve coordination between the relevant authorities of the two countries.

The project is expected to improve the protection of public health in border areas, speed up responses to potential epidemiological threats and contribute to stronger sanitary and epidemiological security across Central Asia.