Making the case for investing in nutrition in Tajikistan

UNICEF Tajikistan partnered with Genesis to conduct a study aimed at developing an advocacy package to increase public funding and improve nutrition policy implementation.

Despite global efforts to eradicate malnutrition by 2030, Tajikistan faces significant challenges, with 18% of children under five experiencing stunting. Cultural barriers, limited awareness, poor feeding practices, inadequate access to nutrition services, and the impacts of the Ukraine war and Covid-19 pandemic exacerbate food and nutrition insecurity, particularly in rural areas.

In response to these challenges, Genesis conducted a four-part study:

• A budget analysis to understand current nutrition expenditure.
• Costing of the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on Nutrition to determine the necessary policy-driven spending.
• Fiscal space analysis to identify potential funding sources to meet the plan’s financial needs.
• Cost of inaction study to detail the possible consequences of not investing in nutrition.

Our team integrated these components into an investment case to support UNICEF Tajikistan’s advocacy efforts.

The comprehensive study provided actionable insights and recommendations, raising awareness among policymakers and donors about the importance of investing in nutrition. 

The findings are expected to facilitate consensus on advancing the multi-sectoral action plan. They will also ensure sustainable implementation supported by a multi-year plan under UNICEF’s guidance.