Event highlights
Uzbekistan addresses violence and harassment in the health sector
Violence and harassment in the health sector are increasingly recognized as a serious challenge affecting both health workers and the quality of care they provide. To bring greater attention to the issue, WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan, convened a workshop in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, in late April 2026.
The event brought together representatives of government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, professional associations and health professionals to explore the scale of the problem and identify steps to create safer, more respectful health workplaces.
The workshop was particularly timely as it aligns with the theme of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which focuses on psychosocial risks and mental health at work. Psychosocial risks, such as excessive workloads, lack of support and exposure to violence and harassment, are now recognized as major occupational safety and health challenges worldwide.
A widespread challenge with real consequences
The discussions highlighted a sobering reality. Globally, 1 in 5 workers experience violence or harassment, while in health settings the number rises to 6 out of 10.
The impact goes far beyond individual incidents – affecting mental health, increasing burnout and contributing to staff leaving the profession.
In Uzbekistan, the issue carries particular weight. Women, who tend to be especially vulnerable, make up nearly half of doctors and as many as 90% of the country’s nurses, meaning that violence and harassment disproportionately affect those at the very heart of service delivery.
Addressing these risks is a growing priority across the European Region and Central Asia.
Through the Special Initiative on Violence against Women and Girls (SIVAWG), WHO is supporting countries to strengthen health system responses to violence against women, including sexual harassment and protecting health workers themselves and equipping them to provide quality care to survivors. The “Framework for action on the health and care workforce in the WHO European Region 2023–2030” emphasizes zero tolerance of abuse and violence against health workers and the need for gender-responsive policies under its central pillar of “Retain and recruit”. Additionally, the ILO is working closely with the tripartite constituents (representatives of government, employers and workers) to adapt national legislation in line with the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), support tripartite policy dialogue and build capacity on violence and harassment in the world of work.
Protecting health workers as a cornerstone of reform
Opening the workshop, the adviser to the Minister on Maternal and Child Health Protection, Dr Elmira Basitkhanova, noted the increasing number of incidents involving violence against health workers and called for a comprehensive approach – one that extends beyond regulations – to reach communities, families and future generations.
Similarly, WHO emphasized that safe working environments are fundamental to building strong and resilient health systems.
“Violence and harassment in health workplaces remain a serious public health and health system issue. They harm physical and mental health, contribute to burnout and attrition and undermine quality of care and patient safety,” said Dr Asheena Khalakdina, WHO Representative in Uzbekistan.
“Uzbekistan’s ambitious health reforms can only succeed if health workers are supported, respected and able to work in safe and decent conditions,” Khalakdina added.
The discussions highlighted the importance of preventing and addressing violence and harassment through workplace policies, occupational safety and health measures and social dialogue. Participants also discussed the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206), which provide the first international labour standards specifically addressing violence and harassment in the world of work.
ILO highlighted the importance of addressing violence and harassment through a rights-based, workplace-focused lens.
“No one should experience violence or harassment simply for doing their job – it is a fundamental right. It is also critical to recognize the gender dimension of this issue. Women are disproportionately affected by violence and harassment, including gender-based violence,” said Yuri Sterk, Senior Coordinator at ILO Uzbekistan.
“In the health sector, workers are among the most exposed to violence and harassment. These risks are closely linked to stressful working environments, long hours and staff shortages, and they affect both workers and the quality of care,” Sterk explained.
Health-care institutions need clear procedures defining how staff should respond in situations involving conflict or violence, how incidents should be reported and what support workers can receive,” said Eka Margishvili, employers' representative.
Identifying solutions across the system
Participants explored the root conditions driving violence and harassment in health settings, including heavy workloads, staff shortages and high emotional demands. These conditions create psychosocial risks that affect both the well-being of health workers and the performance of health systems.
Discussions focused on practical measures that can help prevent and respond to violence and harassment, including:
- advancing national policies within existing labour and health structures, aligned with international labour standards to ensure coherent protections against violence and harassment;
- improving prevention mechanisms, including reporting systems and ensuring protection against retaliation;
- raising awareness among health workers of their rights and available support;
- integrating prevention and response measures into training and professional development;
- improving workplace safety and access to psychosocial support; and
- strengthening social dialogue and the complementary roles of government and workers’ and employers’ organizations.
Participants also emphasized that meaningful progress will require action beyond the health sector, engaging ministries, workers’ and employers’ organizations, communities, civil society and other stakeholders.
Building momentum for safer workplaces
The workshop marked an important step in raising awareness and fostering dialogue among key stakeholders in Uzbekistan.
Participants affirmed their commitment to supporting the country in translating this dialogue into practical actions that protect health workers and promote safe, decent working conditions.
Event notice
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and WHO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan, will host a technical workshop on preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the health sector, bringing together representatives of government institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, health professionals and professional associations.
About the workshop
Violence and harassment remain significant challenges in the health sector, affecting the well-being of health workers and the quality of care. These risks are often linked to demanding working conditions and psychosocial factors, with important implications for mental health, workforce retention and patient safety. Women, who make up a large share of the health workforce, are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for gender-responsive approaches.
The workshop will draw on international instruments, guidance and frameworks, including: the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206), setting global standards for healthy, safe and respectful workplaces; the Framework for action on the health and care workforce in the WHO European Region 2023–2030; and the Special Initiative on Violence against Women and Girls.
Objectives of the workshop
The workshop aims to strengthen participants’ capacity to understand and address violence and harassment in the health sector. It will focus on the intersection between violence and harassment, psychosocial risks and mental health; address sector-specific challenges in the health sector; and discuss practical measures to prevent risks and enhance protection.
The workshop aims to:
- enhance understanding of violence and harassment, including gender-based and third-party violence;
- explore links with psychosocial risks and mental health;
- identify key workplace risk and protective factors;
- share international experience and practical approaches; and
- promote gender-responsive and worker-centred solutions.
Why it matters
Addressing violence and harassment in health workplaces is essential for protecting health workers, improving service quality and strengthening health system performance. Creating safe and respectful environments supports both workforce well-being and better outcomes for patients.
For more information on participation and the agenda, please contact: eurowhouzb@who.int