Reduce anaemia in children under five (42% - by 2030, 21%)

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MOHSP) will coordinate implementation of the national communication programme on the first 1000 days for 2020–2024 and the national programme on the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies and related diseases for 2022–2027. Specifically, strong advocacy is required to include multiple micronutrient powders in the national essential medicines list and mobilise state funding from the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, social and behaviour change communication interventions will be developed and implemented in order to influence care-givers’ knowledge and practices around appropriate breastfeeding and child feeding and care (including hygiene). Health workers will also be trained on maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding counselling skills to strengthen support for pregnant and lactating women and care-givers of young children in improving child nutrition and reducing anaemia among children in particular. Tajikistan will also start implementation of wheat flour fortification with an aim to reduce anaemia.