Tajikistan Better Nutrition for Better Health Activity

Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Mission to Tajikistan, is initiating the Tajikistan Better Nutrition for Better Health Activity aimed at improving the nutritional status and health outcomes of mothers and children under two years of age. This initiative is part of USAID's broader mission to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing U.S. national security and prosperity.

Tajikistan faces significant challenges in health and nutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations, making this activity crucial for sustainable development.

Work Details
The Better Nutrition for Better Health Activity will focus on improving the quality and availability of lifesaving, evidence-based health interventions for women and children in target areas. Key tasks include:

1) Enhancing the technical capacity, leadership, management, and policy reform potential of the Tajikistan Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population (MOHSPP) and other health institutions;
2) Implementing state-of-the-art technical interventions and innovations in nutrition and maternal-child health (MCH);
3) Continuing successful interventions from the previous Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby project while adapting to current needs;
4) Focusing on both nutrition (65%) and MCH (35%) for the first three years, transitioning to a sole focus on nutrition thereafter;
5) Establishing training programs for healthcare providers in nutrition;
6) Conducting community mobilization efforts to shift social norms around nutrition;
7) Collaborating with local partners to strengthen local systems;
8) Addressing gender inequalities through targeted programming.

Place of Performance
The primary implementation will occur in twelve western districts of Khatlon province: Balkhi, Dusti, Jaihun, Jomi, Khuroson, Kushoniyon, Levakant, Nosiri Khisrav, Qubodiyon, Shahritus, Vakhsh, Yovon. National-level efforts will cover the entire country with offices located in Dushanbe and Bohtar.