Supporting Uzbekistan throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Format Throughout the pandemic – and even before – WHO has provided a range of support to Uzbekistan to strengthen the country’s pandemic preparedness, to develop communication materials to inform, educate and engage the population, to boost laboratory testing capacity, and to help the health system effectively treat patients with COVID-19. Risk communication and community engagement Prior to the first cases of COVID-19 appearing in the country, WHO conducted a 2-day training course for 30 press secretaries from the Uzbek Ministry of Health on effective communication in emergency situations. The course covered a wide range of topics, including: