United Nations in Tajikistan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Tajikistan:

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Press Release

29 August 2023

UN Secretary-General’s "Early Warnings for All" Initiative launched in Tajikistan

The national consultation was co-chaired by the Deputy Prime-Minister of Tajikistan and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan with active involvement of the lead agencies of four pillars of the Early Warnings for All Initiative. Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Mr. Sulaimon Ziyozoda, inaugurated the event, highlighting its significance by stating that the Republic of Tajikistan attaches importance to climate change, disaster risk reduction and supports the call of the United Nations Secretary-General to protect everyone with early warning systems. He also noted: “Coordination of activities of different sectors and stakeholders, involvement of communities at risk, availability of favorable institutional and legislative environment, clear distribution of roles and responsibilities - all these are necessary to create effective and consistent early warning systems”. UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami said the launch of the Early Warnings for All initiative is “a crucial step forward in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Tajik communities from the impacts of climate change and other risks”, adding that “a whole-of-society approach involving all stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, will be critical for strengthening and sustaining the early warning services in the country”. The representatives from relevant ministries, government agencies and development partners presented current advancements in implementing early warning systems in Tajikistan. They collectively identified challenges and prioritized strategies to expand the coverage, integration, and effectiveness of EWS. The participants also engaged into technical discussions, mapping and a comprehensive gap analysis exercise, drawing from prior assessments, to identify the critical gaps and priority needs for support across the four pillars, agreeing a coordination mechanism and development of an action plan in the initiative’s implementation. Tajikistan is faced with the frequent occurrence of natural hazards, such as avalanches, earthquakes, floods, mudflows, and landslides, with climate change further exacerbating their impacts. The Early Warnings for All initiative will build improved resilience to such risks in Tajikistan, with support provided across four interconnected pillars of EW4All: disaster risk knowledge; detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting; warning dissemination and communication; and preparedness and response capabilities. Globally one third of citizens are still not covered by early warning systems. EW4All Action Plan was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) held in Egypt in November 2022 for further investment across knowledge, observations and forecasting, preparedness and response, and communication of early warnings, with particularly priority placed on vulnerable communities.disaster risk The Early Warnings for All Initiative calls for a global effort to ensure that such systems protect everyone on Earth by 2027. Early Warning Systems, supported by preparedness and early action, are a proven, effective, and feasible disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measure, that save lives and provide a tenfold return on investment. Yet, major gaps in early warning systems remain globally, especially when it comes to translating early warnings into risk-informed early action. Lead agencies of four pillars of the Early Warnings for All Initiative: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

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Press Release

07 July 2023

Interview with Dr Markus Schefer, member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Dr Schefer was invited to the country by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan within the framework of the global campaign to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN RCO: Dr Schefer, could you please tell us about yourself and the goal of your visit to Tajikistan? Dr Schefer: I am a member of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a professor of constitutional and administrative law at the University of Basel, Switzerland. This Committee consists of 18 independent experts from all over the world. We are elected by the State parties for four-year-terms. As independent experts, we do not represent the views of our home countries. We meet twice a year for a time between 3 and 5 weeks. Our main obligation is to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the member states. UN RCO: Please tell us more about the status of ratification of the Convention globally and the work of the Committee. Dr Schefer: Today, 187 countries out of 193 UN member states have ratified the Convention; there are only a handful of countries that have not. Kazakhstan ratified it in 2015, and Uzbekistan in 2021. I have visited both countries and I was Rapporteur for Kazakhstan in the review process. In our work, we notice that it is crucially important that countries start a process toward implementation of the Convention, at whatever level they are. In this process, it is equally important to closely consult with organizations of persons with disabilities. They are in a position to identify where the most pressing issues are and what possible remedies may be. UN RCO: How many persons with disabilities live in the world and how effective are countries in addressing their needs and guaranteeing their rights? Dr Schefer: In general, we can assume that about 20% of any given population has a disability. For many, this is a surprisingly high number. We are surprised, because we usually do not meet many persons with disabilities in public spaces, be it in the streets, in schools, at work or in recreational activities. The main reason is that many persons with disabilities cannot participate, be it for lack of accessibility, lack of education, non-inclusion in the workplace or particular obstacles for political participation. This is what the CRPD is designed to remedy. UN RCO: In your opinion, when Tajikistan will be ready to ratify the Convention? Dr Schefer: Today, Tajikistan is ready for ratification. It is intensively working on many projects designed to implement the rights of persons with disabilities. Ratification would add crucial support to these efforts. Particularly the State party review process, in which our Committee issues recommendations to the State, provides guidance for further measures by the State. There is no threshold of implementation that would have to be achieved before ratification. The sooner a country ratifies the Convention, the clearer the path for the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities becomes. UN RCO: What are other important things a country needs to keep in mind to proceed with the ratification process? Dr Schefer: All across the world, I hear the argument that tight finances do not allow to take substantial steps toward implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities. This view overlooks the fact that there are many measures a State party needs to take that do not involve large expenditures. Walking around Dushanbe, I see a great many new buildings, including high-rises, being erected. If the proper accessibility standards are considered from the beginning of the planning process, rendering new buildings accessible will come at very little extra cost. This is a chance for Tajikistan; it allows the country to utilize its rapid economic development to substantially further the rights of persons with disabilities. I have also met many people who think that the Convention is solely about services for persons with disabilities. To be sure, it does contain many rights to services. But it is not confined to these rights. It also guarantees civil and political rights, such as the right to participate in political and public life, or the right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment. Particularly political participation of persons with disabilities is of central importance for the peaceful development of any political system, as they represent a very large minority of about 20% of the population. UN RCO: What is the experience of countries which ratified the Convention most recently? Which challenges they experience? Dr Schefer: Implementing the Convention not only requires to change the laws and to implement them properly. It also requires, on a much more fundamental level, that society’s attitudes towards persons with disabilities change. That an impairment of a person is not seen as a medical aberration that renders the person less valuable, but that impairments are but one aspect of the great diversity of human beings. And that we value and cherish this diversity, as we do it in many other societal sectors. Such change takes time, and it does not occur on its own volition. Every single State party in whose review I have participated is confronted with many challenges, irrespective of its economic or political power. UN RCO: What would be your advice to the Government of Tajikistan in terms of the timing for ratification of the Convention? Dr Schefer: With all appropriate deference and humility, I would suggest that Tajikistan is ready for ratification. There is no need to wait, and there are no advantages of postponing ratification. As this year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN will host a high-level event with participation of the Heads of States and Governments on 11-12 December in Geneva, Switzerland. This will be an opportunity for UN Member States to submit their pledges on transformative changes and progress in the cause of human rights. In this context, I would urge the Government of Tajikistan to submit a pledge on ratification of the CRPD as this is one of the two core human rights Conventions not ratified by the country yet.

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Press Release

19 May 2023

Tajikistan experience presented in the High-Level Meeting on the Mid-term Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

President of the General Assembly Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Ms. Mami Mizutori and Türkiye Earthquake Survivor Mr. Mustafa Kemal Kilinç addressed the opening of the event. During the meeting, the participants exchanged their views on the achievements in the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Sendai Framework, as well as the difficulties and gaps towards its implementation. The Republic of Tajikistan was represented by the Chairman of the Committee of Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan Mr.Bahodur Sheralizoda. He highlighted the importance of the implementation of the Sendai Framework in achieving the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 and informed about the measures taken by the country in the implementation of the Sendai Framework, including the adoption of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and its Midterm Program. Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda also presented country’s experience and achievements on disaster risk reduction, mentioned priorities to be addressed and called on the international community and partners to enhance cooperation in this area. The high-level meeting provides a platform for Member States, the United Nations system partners and other stakeholders to reflect on the findings and recommendations of the MTR SF and formulate a forward-looking and risk-informed approach to more effectively address systemic risk. The meeting will adopt a political declaration to renew commitment and accelerate implementation of the Sendai Framework up to 2030.

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Story

22 August 2025

How School Cooks from Farkhor Became National Champions Two Years in a Row

With warmth to children and dedication to work, Dilorom Karimova and Zulfiya Alieva earned well-deserved recognition – the Best School Cook award – by turning everyday school meals into something special.As the new week starts, the appetizing scent of fresh-baked bread and warm soup drifts through school hallways across Tajikistan. For the cooks Dilorom Karimova from School #33 and Zulfiya Alieva from School #44 in the Farkhor district, this is more than just a working routine. In the rhythm of the school kitchen, they found their voice.The winners of the national Best School Cook Contest 2023 and 2024 – an annual event organized by WFP Tajikistan and Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) and designed to enhance school cooks’ competencies and encourage nutritious meals for children – agree that children’s smiles are the biggest appreciation to their work. “Sometimes children write little verses to express their gratitude to the cook’s work – it touches me deeply and gives inspiration”, says Dilorom Karimova, the winner of the Best School Cook Contest 2023. Since 2022, The Best School Cook Contest has been held as part of broader WFP’s efforts to promote healthy diets at schools and enhance the nutritional value of children’s meals in Tajikistan. This event is a platform for knowledge-sharing, creativity, and national recognition for school cooks.Dilorom remembers the first years of working at school – in the 2000s, she prepared meals for more than 400 children. To make sure that every child would receive a nutritious meal, she cooked late into the night. With a smile, she says that after 25 years, now cooking for 350 schoolchildren and her growing family of 8 children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild no longer feels like a challenge. It is simply a part of who she is.Dilorom believes that it is possible to create a masterpiece from simple and accessible ingredients – potatoes or pulses – fantasy and practice will help. Like any cook, she has her culinary secrets. But there is one she freely shares — the secret to making every meal delicious and every workday a joy:“I approach work with sincerity and put my heart into it – that’s my true secret”. Her colleague from School #44 Zulfiya Alieva, who has become the Best School Cook in 2024, adds: “A cook’s task goes beyond making food — it’s about giving love and care to children and welcoming them with an open heart”.Her career as a school cook began 2 years ago, and at that time, she had already become a high-class professional, proudly carrying her well-earned status. Cooking has been Zulfiya’s passion since childhood — and today, she brings the same love and dedication to her work as she does when cooking for her two daughters.Zulfiya says that school cooks’ work is about children. When making a menu, she asks in advance about their preferences for the week to come. Her kindness is shown in every detail – the way she serves each plate, gently wipes up soup spilled by an energetic boy, and speaks to the children with calm warmth.Zulfiya emphasizes the empowering impact of the Best School Cook Contest in diversifying school meals, strengthening cooking skills and creativity, and fostering the use of local products.For her, the victory in the competition became an incentive for further development as a cook, while Dilorom points out that it was both an honor and a proof that 25 years of hard work had all been worth it.Dilorom and Zulfiya genuinely care to make meals well-balanced, diversified, nutritious, and packed with vitamins. They use fresh and dried fruits and vegetables grown locally — either from the school gardens or brought in by children’s parents – and encourage other cooks to do so.Among the many sources Zulfiya finds culinary inspiration in, the WFP Tajikistan School Meals Recipe Book is one she returns to often:“I address the School Meals Recipe Book to find fresh ideas of what to cook for children at school and for my family, my daughters”. Dilorom and Zulfiya note that, after the competition, support from parents and concerned citizens has grown, as the children are now nourished by true champions of school nutrition. Yet both point out that having a school bakery in Farkhor would significantly enhance school cooks’ work.Despite all the remaining difficulties – electricity outages, especially during the winter season, long working shifts in the kitchen, heavy pots – their faces shine with energy and motivation. The example of Dilorom and Zulfiya is a testament of enduring love for what they do. Their journey speaks for thousands of school cooks of Tajikistan – whose hands work early, whose hearts stay open, and whose love is served on every plate.

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Story

29 May 2025

‘We are the present’: Tajik climate activist urges leaders to include youth voices in dialogue

At the end of April, Fariza Dzhobirova attended a Model United Nations Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, where she represented Switzerland.For Ms. Dzhobirova, it was a rehearsal of sorts for the actual High-level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation which began on Thursday in Dushanbe. There, she will serve as a panel member representing her own country.“The [Model UN] conference gave me a platform to raise my voice, collaborate with like-minded peers from across the region and develop policy recommendations that we hope will influence real-world decisions,” she said.The High-level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, hosted by the Government of Tajikistan and supported by a variety of United Nations agencies, will work to underline the extreme urgency of melting glaciers, elevating it as a global climate and development challenge. Youth voices are the present and the futureBefore the conference, we sat down with Ms. Dzhobirova to discuss what motivates her climate activism. What inspired you to get involved in the climate movement?Growing up in Tajikistan, where more than 90% of our freshwater comes from glaciers, I’ve seen how climate change is already impacting people’s lives. Rivers are shrinking, water is becoming less accessible, and natural disasters like landslides and floods are affecting more and more communities.I’ve met a family who lost their home because of mudflow. I saw a teenage girl from that family of the same age as me that had totally different problems because of this climate-related disaster. I was thinking about my classes. She was thinking about how to survive.And I know there are many examples similar to this - farmers whose land can no longer be irrigated and children whose futures are at risk. Seeing this pain and injustice made it impossible for me to stay silent or uninvolved.Participating in the upcoming Glaciers’ Preservation conference means a lot to me. It’s about raising the voices of people who are often left out of global discussions. For me, it’s a chance to speak on behalf of my generation and my country, and to show that young people are ready to be part of the solution.What message do you hope to share at the conference about the impact of climate change on your community and generation?Being invited to speak is a great responsibility for me. It’s a chance to represent not only Tajikistan, but the voice of a generation.My message is that young people are not just the future — we are the present, and we are ready to contribute today. Climate change is not only about the environment — it’s about how we live, how we work, how we learn. It affects our opportunities, our mental health, our ability to plan for the future. And yet, many young people are still excluded from decision-making processes.At the conference, I want to encourage leaders and policymakers to truly listen not just to the facts and data, but to the experiences and hopes of young people. When you give youth a platform, you don’t just invest in their potential — you strengthen the resilience and sustainability of entire communities.Youth voices are becoming increasingly important in global climate conversations. How do you see the role of young people in shaping solutions?I truly believe that young people have a unique role to play in shaping more just, inclusive and forward-looking climate solutions. We bring fresh ideas, the courage to question outdated systems and a strong sense of responsibility for the future.In countries like Tajikistan, where glaciers are directly connected to people’s livelihoods, youth are already stepping up. What we need now is more trust and investment in young people. We don’t expect to solve everything alone, but we do hope to be included — in dialogue, in decision-making, and in designing real solutions.Protecting glaciers and water resources is not just a technical challenge; it’s a human one. By working together — across generations and borders — we can make our region stronger, more resilient, and more united in the face of climate change.

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18 October 2024

A beacon of hope: How safe havens are transforming lives in Tajikistan

Here, within the walls of the Room for Medical and Social Rehabilitation of GBV Survivors, women and girls who have endured unimaginable pain find not only shelter but also a lifeline - a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.Dr. Nargis Zokirova, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, has been at the heart of this project since 2021. With compassion and resilience, she has guided GBV survivors through the darkest moments of their lives, providing essential medical care, psychological support and, most importantly, a safe space where they can begin to heal. One case that deeply moved Dr. Zokirova involved a 16-year-old girl who was pregnant after being sexually assaulted by a neighbour. When she arrived at the GBV survivors’ room, she was too traumatised to speak, her eyes filled with fear and despair. The facility offers everyone free health services, including emergency care, treatment for GBV-related injuries, and HIV and AIDS testing. However, it was Dr. Zokirova’s gentle and compassionate care and unwavering support over time that allowed the young girl to feel comfortable enough to break her silence. The girl shared her harrowing story, and with Dr. Zokirova’s help, she received the medical care, psychological counselling and specialist referrals she desperately needed. The room became her refuge, a place where she could regain her strength and begin to hope for a better future.UNFPA has established 21 similar rooms across Tajikistan in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population. Each one offers a sanctuary for survivors of gender-based violence through a range of essential services, including health care, psychological support, temporary lodging and meals, and referrals to other sectors, all free of charge. This kind of survivor-centred, multi-sectoral response to GBV remains rare in Tajikistan, where protocols and capacity among front-line workers are still limited."I was deeply moved by the professionalism, dedication, and love provided by Dr. Nargis Zokirova and others to women and girls who have experienced unimaginable trauma," said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, who visited the facility in June. "These safe spaces embody UNFPA's unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence and protecting and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives towards a brighter future." In another case Dr. Zokirova remembered, a 14-year-old girl arrived at the room 22 weeks pregnant, after a sexual assault by her aunt’s husband. Her mother, desperate and heartbroken, had attempted a dangerous at-home abortion, which led to severe health complications. The young girl was brought to the maternity house in critical condition to receive emergency treatment. The doctors were able to save her life and the life of the fetus. Once she was stable, the young girl was referred to the medical and social rehabilitation room for GBV survivors, while authorities arrested and jailed the perpetrator. “When the girl came to us, she was paralysed by shock, silent and suicidal," Dr. Zokirova recalled. “But over time, through our support, she and her mother found a way to rebuild their lives.” But the work is far from over. More than 40 per cent of women in Tajikistan reported problems even accessing basic health care, particularly in rural areas, according to a Demographic and Health survey. And there are only five shelters in the country providing longer-term care to GBV survivors, three of which are operated by NGOs without any state support. UNFPA has been working to improve these conditions by increasing the quality and coverage of GBV services. Its rooms for GBV survivors are located in districts where no other NGO or government-supported shelters are available, and it is advocating for more state funding for shelters in all regions of the country. Dr. Zokirova also believes that many more women in her community are suffering in silence, unaware of the available support. She has urged community leaders and local activists to spread the word about the rooms and the services they offer. “If more women knew about our room, we could reach so many more, and perhaps help many more women and girls who are suffering from violence and its consequences,” she said.

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03 October 2024

Looking back at 18 years of operational successes: CARICC Council meets in Ashgabat

In the face of growing threats posed by drug trafficking and related organized crime, the countries of Central Asia, with support from UNODC, came together in 2006 to form the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) as a platform for regional counter-narcotics collaboration. Today, CARICC comprises seven member states, 18 observer states, and three international organizations with observer status: Interpol, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC).CARICC assists member states in joint operations by facilitating real-time information exchange and overcoming bureaucratic barriers. It also conducts a strategic analysis of the drug situation to identify areas requiring coordinated action. The Centre maintains a centralized database tracking drug trafficking trends to enable proactive operational planning. Furthermore, CARICC offers training and capacity-building programmes for law enforcement agencies, enhancing their capabilities to fight drug trafficking.Over the years, CARICC has developed expertise in controlled delivery operations and shares this knowledge with partners. The Centre’s international status and its liaison officers have facilitated the establishment of networks with international organizations and beyond its member states, enhancing the effectiveness of its operations.The Centre leads several long-term initiatives, including Operation REFLEX, targeting new psychoactive substances, and Operation SUBSTITUTE, aimed at preventing the diversion of controlled chemicals to illicit trafficking. It also engages in short-term operations focused on specific drug-related crimes, leading to significant drug seizures and legal actions against traffickers.CARICC’s impact on countering drug trafficking is significant: since its inception, it has contributed to 85 international counter-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 7.5 tons of narcotic drugs, more than 62 tons of precursors, and the arrest of 122 members of drug trafficking networks. On 12 September 2024, at the invitation of Turkmenistan, the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States came together in Ashgabat to take stock of CARICC’s activities and give strategic direction for the future. Participants also discussed the rapidly evolving drug situation in Central Asia following the opium cultivation ban issued by the de facto authority in Afghanistan. Of particular concern was the spread of synthetic drugs, as well as the multiple indications of an emerging production of new psychoactive substances in several countries of the region. “Illegal drug trafficking, a persistent threat to humanity in the 21st century, is further exacerbated by the growing spread of new psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs. Urgent and comprehensive action is needed to address this crisis. It is essential to highlight our collective commitment through our ongoing collaboration with CARICC. We are continually strengthening this partnership by expanding the Centre’s reach and enhancing its role,” stated Yazguly Agabaev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.“The evolving drug situation in the CARICC member states demands coordinated and targeted measures to suppress drug smuggling. A joint action plan is needed to investigate major drug seizures and develop effective responses,” said Atageldi Yazlyev, Director of CARICC. Dr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, noted: “CARICC has made significant steps in enhancing regional cooperation and operational effectiveness. It is imperative that we sustain and build upon these achievements to address the dynamic challenges of drug trafficking in the region. Maintaining CARICC’s strategic priorities and operational capacity is essential for continuing our progress in this critical area.” For more insights into CARICC’s work, watch: CARICC: 18 years of operational successes in countering illicit drug traffickingCARICC capacity-building programmes: Open-source intelligence regional training course For further information, please contact:Nurangez AbdulhamidovaCommunications and External Relations SpecialistUNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org

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30 April 2024

“We haven’t had any sepsis cases in months,” reports a maternity hospital in Tajikistan

“Some of my colleagues are a bit confused,” confesses Dr Rosa Nodirshoeva, who is known here simply as Dr Rosa. “We have not had any cases of sepsis for a few months now. They find this unusual,” she adds, smiling at her collaborator, Dr Joyrine Biromumaiso, before declaring, “but you and I, we know the reason.”Dr Rosa shifts comfortably in her chair. She has an air of authority about her. This suits her position as a senior doctor at the large Maternity Hospital Number 1 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Dr Rosa has worked at the health facility for over 30 years and knows it like the back of her hand.She works closely with Dr Joyrine, an expert on infection prevention and control based at the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan. Today they are discussing how much has changed since the start of their close collaboration, just over 3 years ago. Preventing health care-associated infections“Infection prevention and control training have changed the way we work,” Dr Rosa declares. “Before, nurses with years of experience could accidentally infect a patient while performing even the simplest procedures, such as inserting a catheter, because they simply weren’t aware of the right measures and techniques to prevent health care-associated infections. They had not been taught well.”Dr Rosa explains that the facility had been working on improving infection prevention and control for decades. However, since working with Dr Joyrine, they have been able to strengthen their capacity dramatically and accelerate progress.She gives examples of improvements made at the facility, adding that staff now pay close attention to infection prevention and control measures, and understand how important this is to provide safe, quality care.“Our staff apply the 5 moments of hand hygiene and have become much more diligent in how we clean the facility. My colleagues know how to properly dispose of used syringes, masks and other medical waste. Our facility has clearly articulated the need for disinfectants and other health products used for protection. We now have devices with disinfectant solutions throughout the facility. Patients want to receive quality care and all these changes help us to keep them, and our health workers, safe from health care-associated infections.”Dr Rosa notes that a simple reminder is sometimes enough to prevent a tragedy, and that patients themselves have become more aware of their own health. “They may come in for a treatment, but if they see that the doctor has not cleaned his hands, they speak up.” Fewer infection casesAt the end of the corridor, the discomfort of a mother-to-be can be heard. Almost 1000 babies per month are born in this facility. One in every 5 babies is delivered through a caesarean section, as the facility receives women with complications from all regions of the country.Before, at least 2 or 3 cases of septic complications were registered in the maternity hospital every month, but this situation has changed in recent years. The facility has also seen a dramatic reduction in other infections, including hepatitis B among health workers. The improvements made in infection prevent and control have been key to this success.Dr Joyrine is proud of the achievements of Dr Rosa and her staff. She herself knows how proper infection prevention and control practices save lives. She was in western Africa at the height of the Ebola crisis, which killed over 11 000 people. As a frontline worker, she trained health workers to provide safe treatment and to protect themselves from the virus, but it killed many of her colleagues.After this terrible experience, Dr Joyrine is one of the biggest advocates for implementation of infection prevention and control programmes in health-care facilities. “In Tajikistan, I often talk about my experiences in western Africa and East Africa and about what I have seen in the field.”She explains that the topic of cultural norms often comes up. “By having an open conversation about cultural practices and traditions – for example, those related to burial rites – the Tajik health-care workers start to understand how infections can spread. They are keen to learn about WHO’s guidance and to implement the practices and techniques which we recommend. This is why we see such improvements.”Since Dr Joyrine started working in Tajikistan, much has changed. With technical support from WHO, the country developed new national guidelines on infection prevention and control in 2022. Financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been crucial in developing further guidance for health workers on how to put these measures into practice. “Infection prevention and control are everything”Over the past few years, based on the WHO guidelines on infection prevention and control and in collaboration with other organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 8000 health workers across the country have been trained in infection prevention and control. Quality training and communication materials have been developed in national languages.Many partners are supporting Tajikistan to ensure access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services, as well as essential materials and equipment for infection prevention and control, to deliver safe care.The hard work continues. Many facilities in the country are still not following proper infection prevention and control practices, and many more health workers require training. Furthermore, the lack of access to safe, running water in health facilities, and the lack of availability of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and alcohol-based hand rub, pose major barriers to implementing infection prevention and control measures.With support from USAID, Dr Joyrine will train a monitoring and evaluation team that will be instrumental in keeping track of the progress made in health facilities in all districts of Tajikistan. Key next steps for the country also include ensuring that courses on infection prevention and control are incorporated into all medical curricula and offered to health workers in facilities systematically.The establishment of a new cadre of health workers, fully dedicated to guiding and monitoring the proper implementation of infection prevention and control practices in health facilities, is a key WHO recommendation.A cleaner passes the room that Dr Rosa and Dr Joyrine are sitting in. Dr Rosa adjusts her glasses and declares, “Infection prevention and control are everything. If you don't know how to prevent infections, you cannot work in a health-care institution.”

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Press Release

02 September 2025

Tajikistan’s melting glaciers put water resources under stress, UNEP Atlas reveals

Dushanbe, 2 September 2025 – Climate change is putting pressure on Tajikistan’s water resources, making transboundary cooperation crucial, according to a new Atlas of Environmental Change for the country released today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).Drawing on six decades of national and satellite data, the Atlas reveals that Tajikistan’s average annual temperature has already risen by 1.2°C – double the global average of 0.6°C – with the pace of warming having accelerated in recent decades.Out of the country’s 14,000 glaciers that have existed in recent decades, over 1,000 have already entirely disappeared and many small ones are expected to perish in the next 30-40 years. Meanwhile, the average air temperature in the Pamir Mountain Range is expected to increase 2.0°C by 2050 compared to today. This could cause the glaciers in the Pyanj and Vakhsh river basins to shrink by 75.5% and 53% respectively – significantly impacting freshwater supplies. Rising temperatures furthermore mean runoff in the Amu Darya River basin would likely decrease by about 30% compared to the average of the past decade. This could further increase pressure on water resources both within Tajikistan and across Central Asia, the Atlas finds.Between 2020 and 2023, Tajikistan experienced 1,826 natural disasters, leading to more than 100 deaths and over US$30 million in economic losses. Each year, the country records 500–600 emergencies, 90 per cent of which are linked to natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls and avalanches.“This Atlas provides vital evidence to help Tajikistan confront the effects of climate change and environmental degradation,” said UNEP Europe Office Director Arnold Kreilhuber. “By visualizing these changes, the Atlas empowers decision-makers to protect natural resources, reduce disaster risks, and pursue sustainable development.”Water resources, which supply up to 95 per cent of the country’s electricity through hydropower, are identified as one of Tajikistan’s most vulnerable sectors. The Atlas highlights the importance of integrated water resource management and transboundary cooperation to safeguard this critical lifeline.Tajikistan is also recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot, having the highest density of species per unit area among Central Asian countries. Protected areas have expanded from representing 3.6 per cent of the country’s territory in 1991 to 21.6 per cent in 2023, encompassing four reserves, 13 nature refuges, and three national parks.The Atlas is available in print and through an interactive Geoportal, which provides open access to up-to-date, science-based environmental data. The Geoportal will enable policymakers to use and continually update information for planning purposes and to reporting against international agreements, including the Rio Conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals. Initially launched in Russian, the Atlas will also be made available in Tajik and English to broaden access for policymakers, researchers and the wider public.The project also covers the Kyrgyz Republic, whose Atlas was published earlier this year; and Uzbekistan, whose Atlas is currently under preparation.Notes to EditorsDownload a copy of the Atlas of Environmental Change for Tajikistan here.About the Atlas of Environmental Change of the Republic of TajikistanThe Atlas of Environmental Change for Tajikistan was produced by UNEP in collaboration with the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University, with financial support from the Government of the Russian Federation, and with contributions from national experts coordinated by the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. About the UN Environment ProgrammeThe UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:Alejandro Laguna, Head of Communication, UNEP Europe Office, laguna@un.org, +41 229178537.For interviews with officials from the Republic of Tajikistan:Gulrukhsor Tilloi, Head of the Centre for Information, Ecology, Advancement and Computer Programming Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, tilloevag@gmail.com.

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Press Release

01 September 2025

Advancing genomic tools for biodiversity and food security in Tajikistan

The workshop was conducted within the framework of the FAO–GEF project “Facilitating agrobiodiversity (ABD) conservation and sustainable use to promote food and nutritional resilience in Tajikistan.” It aimed to strengthen national capacities in applying genomic tools and bioinformatics to preserve biodiversity and enhance the sustainability of food systems.More than 30 specialists from across the country participated, including experts in biodiversity, molecular genetics, plant breeding, physiology, and climate adaptation. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of bioinformatics, the role of genomic data in conserving genetic diversity, methods of genomic analysis, and the importance of establishing germplasm banks with a focus on local and endemic plant resources.“The introduction of bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics, into Tajikistan’s scientific and agricultural systems marks a step forward for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience,” emphasized Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “This workshop is helping to build the foundation for modern, data-driven conservation strategies.”Discussions highlighted the urgent need to integrate bioinformatics into academic and research institutions in Tajikistan, while also recognizing the implications for intellectual property, Farmers’ Rights, and access and benefit-sharing related to digital sequence information (DSI). Participants underscored the importance of raising public awareness and strengthening institutional efforts to safeguard genetic resources for future generations.“The use of genomic technologies and the creation of DSI genetic passports are essential for preserving the unique agrobiodiversity of Tajikistan,” noted Bakohuja Bobozoda, Director of the IBPPGP NAST. “Our institute is proud to contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in this vital field.”“The transformative potential of bioinformatics in Tajikistan lies in its ability to provide new insights into the country’s rich biodiversity, empowering researchers to analyze, conserve and utilize genetic resources like never before. As one of Vavilov's centres of origin, Tajikistan is home to a wealth of agricultural diversity, and bioinformatics provides the modern tools needed to protect and utilize this heritage for future generations,” said Sarah Agapito, FAO Biodiversity Specialist. This initiative marks an important step forward in Tajikistan’s efforts to harness modern science for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity protection.

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Press Release

25 August 2025

Practical microbiology training strengthens laboratory capacity across Tajikistan

The treatment of bacterial diseases in poultry and cattle farms requires strong laboratory diagnostic capacity to detect and identify the bacterial causes of mortality and production losses, which often have a significant negative impact on both the national livestock economy and public health. Timely and accurate microbiological diagnostics are thus essential for guiding appropriate antimicrobial use, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring food safety.To strengthen these capacities, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) successfully conducted a four-day face-to-face practical training on the isolation, identification, and quality control of Enterobacteriaceae for regional laboratory specialists working under the Committee for Food Security of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.Delivered across all four administrative regions of Tajikistan, including Khatlon, Sughd, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), and Dushanbe, this training was part of the broader FAO regional initiative “Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach in Central Asia”, funded by the Pandemic Fund. The initiative is being implemented in close partnership with the Committee for Food Security and is designed to boost national capacities for early detection and rapid response to infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).The training, aligned with FAO manuals and CLSI protocols, equipped participants with essential microbiological skills. These included preparation and quality testing of culture media, standardized techniques for streaking, incubation, and colony interpretation, and biochemical identification using tests such as TSI, SIM, citrate, urea, and oxidase. Participants also received hands-on training in disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) following CLSI M100 guidelines, including inoculum standardization, disc placement, and interpretation of inhibition zones. This is important to mention that attendees had an opportunity to enjoy the hands-on training in quality control of antibiotic discs, equipment calibration (e.g., incubators, refrigerators, autoclaves), and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) necessary for laboratory harmonization and readiness for international accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025).“Investing in laboratory skills at the regional level is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnostics and reliable public health data,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “This training ensures that specialists across Tajikistan are equipped with consistent, high-quality microbiological practices that support effective disease detection and control.”The training followed a structured hands-on approach, where participants performed every stage of bacterial culture and identification under expert supervision. The inclusion of live demonstrations, troubleshooting exercises, and group discussions fostered strong engagement and knowledge retention.“This training provided our teams with highly valuable practical experience,” said Islom Rahimiyon, head of the National Diagnostic Centre of the Committee for Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in Khujand, Sughd region. “It harmonized methodologies across laboratories and significantly enhanced the technical competence of our field bacteriology teams.”This workshop underscores FAO’s continued commitment to strengthening laboratory systems, improving animal health services, and developing national expertise through regional collaboration and practical, in-person training. By advancing the One Health approach, FAO supports integrated and sustainable strategies for disease prevention and control across Central Asia.

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Press Release

07 August 2025

Tajikistan strengthens laboratory standards with practical training in microbiology quality control

Held at the National Centre of Diagnostics (NCDFS) in Dushanbe, the training was delivered under the regional initiative Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach in Central Asia, funded by the Pandemic Fund. This initiative supports the development of resilient health systems through integrated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, with a strong emphasis on laboratory strengthening and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) preparedness.The training placed particular focus on the critical role of quality assurance in microbiological diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Participants received detailed instruction on the preparation and quality control of culture media—including MacConkey agar, Mueller-Hinton agar, and XLD—and were trained in procedures such as pH adjustment, sterility checks, and media performance verification using control strains like E. coli ATCC 25922.In addition, the workshop covered essential equipment validation protocols for incubators and autoclaves, pipette calibration, and biosafety cabinet maintenance. A key component addressed antibiotic disc quality control, including potency testing and zone diameter verification, in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and FAO guidelines.Participants also gained hands-on experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), including inoculum preparation and turbidity standardization using McFarland standards, implementation of the standardized disc diffusion method, and interpretation of inhibition zones using CLSI breakpoint tables. The sessions also focused on documenting and analyzing quality control trends, conducting root-cause analysis, and applying corrective actions when deviations occur.“This training marks a milestone in advancing Tajikistan’s laboratory diagnostic standards,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “FAO’s support—through practical, standards-based, and tailored training—is equipping laboratory professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver accurate, timely, and trusted results, which are fundamental to effective public and animal health interventions.”“The sessions enabled our specialists to better understand international protocols and apply rigorous quality control measures—essential for ensuring reliable diagnostics,” noted Mustafo Muminzoda, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Food Security under the Government of Tajikistan. The workshop delivered strong outcomes, with participants demonstrating improved understanding of core technical procedures and increased confidence in applying quality control standards. This event forms part of FAO’s broader support to Central Asian countries in strengthening sustainable diagnostic systems under the One Health framework—ensuring early detection, risk assessment, and timely response to AMR and zoonotic threats.

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Press Release

05 August 2025

FAO enhances laboratory skills and AMR knowledge in Tajikistan under One Health initiative

To address these challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a hands-on training workshop on AMR fundamentals, laboratory techniques, surveillance standards, and resistance mechanisms for employees of the National Diagnostic Centre of the Committee for Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.Held at the National Centre of Diagnostics (NCDFS) in Dushanbe, the workshop was organized as part of the regional initiative Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach in Central Asia, funded by the Pandemic Fund. This initiative emphasizes integrated health systems linking human, animal, and environmental health to better respond to health emergencies, including those driven by AMR.Participants received detailed instruction and practical laboratory training on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines and FAO protocols. The training covered preparation and interpretation of disc diffusion methods, broth microdilution, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations. Laboratory staff also practiced the use of Mueller-Hinton agar, MacConkey agar, XLD, and other selective and differential media to isolate and identify priority bacterial pathogens.Special sessions were dedicated to detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) using double-disk synergy tests and confirmatory phenotypic methods. Emphasis was also placed on biosafety and quality assurance practices, including internal quality control procedures and result validation methods.The training was conducted in-person format, with small-group practical sessions in the microbiology laboratory, allowing direct interaction between trainees and facilitators. This included step-by-step guidance on AST setup, inoculum standardization using 0.5 McFarland turbidity standards, zone interpretation using CLSI charts, and result documentation.“Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic that threatens human, animal, and environmental health. Strengthening laboratory and diagnostic capacities is a critical pillar of the One Health approach,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “By enhancing technical skills and diagnostic capabilities, this training lays the groundwork for a more effective national response to AMR.”The workshop aligns with Tajikistan’s national AMR action plan and supports the country’s efforts to strengthen surveillance and data collection, improve laboratory performance, and promote best practices across sectors.FAO remains committed to supporting its member countries in Central Asia by delivering targeted technical assistance, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and promoting sustainable health systems under the One Health framework.

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