Tajikistan has witnessed a rise in overweight and obesity rates over the past 11 years. In 2012, 46.3% of the population was classified as overweight, but by 2023, this figure increased to 51%. Similarly, the percentage of people suffering from obesity rose from 13.4% in 2012 to 17.4% in 2023.
At the same time, other nutritional challenges persist, including malnutrition and food security issues.
Development of National Dietary Guidelines
In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Tajikistan's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, has begun developing national dietary guidelines.
This new initiative considers local food characteristics and aims to establish sustainable food systems that promote healthy nutrition for the population.
The project was presented at the national introductory seminar, titled "Path to National Dietary Guidelines Based on Available Foods in Tajikistan," which took place on February 27. The event provided a platform to discuss the potential impact of the new recommendations on national development priorities, as well as to introduce FAO’s methodology and share international expertise.
Challenges despite socio-economic progress
Despite significant socio-economic progress over the past two decades, Tajikistan continues to face challenges in achieving its national development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for parts of the population, and malnutrition among both children and adults remains a serious concern.
According to Nushervon Bilol, Deputy Director of the Republican Nutrition Center under Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health, some positive trends have emerged in recent years, but serious challenges persist.
These include:
- Shortage of qualified specialists
- Weak laboratory infrastructure
- Lack of equipment and reagents
- Limited involvement of international partners in nutrition programs
- Insufficient government funding for nutrition-related initiatives
Recent achievements in nutrition
According to a Ministry of Health report, 2023 saw some notable improvements:
- The exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants up to 6 months increased to 41% (34% in 2012).
- The prevalence of stunted growth among children decreased from 23% to 14%.
- The anemia rate among women of childbearing age and children under five declined to 35-36% (previously 41.2%).
However, acute malnutrition remained at 5.6%, and the number of overweight and obese individuals continues to rise.
FAO's regional initiative on nutrition
This effort is part of the FAO regional project, titled Cross-Sectoral Policy Recommendations to Address Malnutrition Through Existing Agri-Food Systems.
The project aims to: accelerate food system transformation in Central Asia; develop institutional capacity; and enhance collaboration in the field of nutrition
The dietary guidelines will play a crucial role in engaging stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, trade, and environmental protection. This cross-sectoral approach is expected to improve food systems and nutrition in Tajikistan.
