Uzbekistan is intensifying its efforts to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), a significant health threat globally. The country is implementing shorter, more effective treatment protocols, supported by organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières and research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Despite free TB treatment, challenges remain, including patient adherence and social stigma. The Ministry of Health and Project HOPE are working to address these issues by promoting early detection and reducing stigma through community engagement.

Uzbekistan successfully maintained its polio-free status despite a 2021 outbreak in neighboring Tajikistan. The Ministry of Health swiftly vaccinated 1.2 million children with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to counter the type 2 poliovirus threat. Health officials, including Dilorom Tursunova and Malika Niyazova, emphasized the importance of vaccination amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive awareness campaigns and strict health protocols ensured high vaccination coverage and no reported polio cases in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is preparing for the winter season by addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19 and influenza. Health experts predict an increase in these diseases due to cold weather and indoor gatherings. The country has observed a summer surge in COVID-19 cases, with the Omicron variant, particularly the EG.5 'Eris' subtype, being prevalent. Vaccination campaigns against both COVID-19 and influenza are ongoing, with a significant portion of the population already vaccinated. The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially for high-risk groups, to mitigate severe disease outcomes.

Cases of whooping cough have risen in Uzbekistan, particularly among adults, despite high immunization rates. The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination and is working to close immunity gaps through enhanced vaccination programs, public awareness, and improved surveillance. Personal accounts highlight the dangers of the disease and the need for timely vaccinations. Experts suggest that waning adult immunity and gaps in vaccination coverage are contributing to the increase in cases.

In early October, Tashkent hosted the state-supported Golden Gepard International Film Festival organized by President's daughter Gulnara Karimova. On October 20, an alternative event, the VideoART.uz festival, took place, featuring films that challenge societal norms in Uzbekistan. The festival's location was kept secret to avoid government shutdown, with participants learning about it through Facebook or direct contact. Oleg Karpov, a Tashkent filmmaker and founder of the now-closed Museum of Cinema, organized the event, which showcased 15 video stories and short films by both professionals and amateurs. The festival highlighted new talents, including Yevgeniya Kurbatova's documentary 'Back to School' and Umidy Ahmedova's 'To Berlin'. Despite government pressure, Uzbek independent cinema is gaining recognition abroad, with some participants pursuing studies in Russia and France. This year, the festival received its first sponsor from the Netherlands.