The equipment for conducting the population and housing census has been handed over to the Agency for Statistics (Agency) under the President of Tajikistan.

The equipment has been handed over to the Agency in the framework of the Strengthening Demographic Statistics in Tajikistan Project, which is funded by the Government of the Russian Federation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The equipment set includes 100 notebooks, 80 printers and 410 tablets (tablet PC), according to the Agency for Statistics.  

Strengthening Demographic Statistics in Tajikistan Project has a goal to provide support to Statistical Agency under President of the Republic of Tajikistan to collect and systematize demographic data during the Population and Housing Census, as well as to increase  the efficiency of the use of the data in the process of long-term planning, budgeting at all levels and the implementation of regional investment programs. The Government of the Russian Federation has allocated $ 2.15 million to support this project.

In April, two-day training sessions were conducted for staff of the Agency for Statistics in Khorog and Kulob cities.  The training sessions were conducted through the UNFPA support.  Around 100 staff of the Agency for Statistics reportedly participated in the training sessions to acquire the essential knowledge   for the upcoming Population and Housing Census, which will be held in Tajikistan from October 1 to 15 2020.  

Since 1995, UNFPA has supported Tajikistan in strengthening the capacities of health professionals to provide reproductive and sexual health care, including to youth and other vulnerable groups, as well as assisting with the regular supply of contraceptives and other basic commodities.  Programs also develop national skills to collect, analyze and use reliable demographic information to plan and monitor development interventions, and respond to gender-based violence.