USAID & UNICEF will prevent and treat malnutrition in children under five in Tajikistan
USAID & UNICEF join hands to scale up continuum of maternal and child nutrition care for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, young children and children with severe wasting in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE: 18th February 2023— In Tajikistan, despite the steady progress in growing the economy and reducing poverty, malnutrition remains a critical public health concern, in all its forms, and in all segments of society. Stunting and wasting persists, while overweight and obesity rapidly increases. Levels of vitamins and mineral deficiencies are stagnating. When vulnerable children and women are malnourished during the critical moments in life, such as pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life, not only is their health and well-being at stake, but also that of the next generation, compromising the nation.
To address these issues and support the Government of Tajikistan in tackling the triple burden of malnutrition, UNICEF launched a three-year programme (2023-2025) on scaling up maternal and child nutrition services and care for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under five years, caregivers and family members of pregnant women and young children in Khatlon and Dushanbe with financial contribution from USAID.
It’s only through partnership that we can support the Government of Tajikistan in upholding children’s right to nutrition and ending all forms of malnutrition in the country. We are deeply grateful to the Government of the United States for joining our effort and stepping up to support us spearhead the traditionally underfunded area for important element of children’s right to adequate nutrition,”-said Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan.
The programme aims to improve availability and quality of high-impact nutrition interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition in children and pregnant and lactating women with strong emphasis on primary healthcare. Additionally, it will promote social, and behavior change through innovative advocacy and communication interventions to improve maternal and child nutrition.
“Globally almost half of deaths for children under five years of age are attributed to malnutrition, and those children who survive malnutrition have compromised cognitive and physical development. USAID is proud to partner with UNICEF in Tajikistan to improve nutrition of Tajiks, especially early in life when it matters most,” said USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman.
In the next three years, thanks to generous support from USAID, UNICEF− in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population and other key partners −aims to reach 270,000 children under five years and 240,000 pregnant and lactating women with nutrition services and care through various platforms.
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Notes to Editors:
ABOUT USAID
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a lead actor driving development results. For more information, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/tajikistan and the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/usembassy.dushanbe/
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF operates in Tajikistan since 1993.
To receive more information about UNICEF and our work in Tajikistan, please visit https://www.unicef.org/tajikistan/
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