The key facts

  • Starting November 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will begin gradually implementing the “FAST — Superheroes” program for 1st–4th grade students
  • First stage: 7 schools in Tashkent’s Almazar district and 6 schools in Samarkand, Kattakurgan and Ishtikhon districts
  • The Angels Initiative program has reached more than 2 million children in nearly 40 countries; 239 billion soums have been allocated for the national program in 2026

A New Educational Program for Younger Schoolchildren

Uzbekistan will implement the “FAST — Superheroes” program for the first time, under which schoolchildren will be taught to recognize the first signs of stroke and act correctly in emergency situations. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health. Starting November 1, 2026, the program will begin to be gradually implemented in general education schools. It is designed for students in grades 1–4.

First Stage: Tashkent and Samarkand Region

At the first stage, classes will be organized in seven schools in Tashkent’s Almazar district, as well as in six schools in Samarkand, Kattakurgan and Ishtikhon districts. During the lessons, children will be explained that possible signs of stroke may include facial asymmetry, inability to raise one arm, or difficulty speaking. In such cases, they must immediately inform adults and call an ambulance at 103.

International Experience and Lesson Format

According to the ministry, the “FAST — Superheroes” program was developed as part of the international Angels Initiative. According to Kun.uz, it has reached more than 2 million children in nearly 40 countries worldwide, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Iceland, South Africa, Latvia, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Singapore. Lessons will be conducted with schoolchildren’s age in mind, using games, characters and video materials. An official website of the program and its social media pages have also been launched, where educational materials and project news can be found.

National Program to Combat Heart Attack and Stroke

The program is being implemented as part of the national program “Combating Heart Attack and Stroke,” adopted on the basis of a presidential decree of January 20, 2026. It provides for maintaining an electronic registry of patients and people at risk in the “Electronic Healthcare” information system. The program is aimed at improving the detection of risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, prevention, and the provision of emergency medical care. Its funding in 2026 is set at 239 billion soums, and from 2027 — 280 billion soums annually.

Goals of the Project

The goal of the program is to raise children’s awareness of stroke signs, foster a responsible attitude toward their own health and the health of loved ones, help them pass this knowledge on to family members, and teach them to call an ambulance in a timely manner in emergency situations. Special attention is given to the importance of the emergency medical service.