Representatives from Tajikistan state institutions, wheat flour mills and the private sector have completed a four-day study tour to Uzbekistan to get familiar with the implementation of Uzbekistan’s regulatory framework for wheat flour fortification, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Resident Office in Tajikistan reported on October 6.  

The visit was organized by WFP in partnership with the Government of Tajikistan.

During the study tour, participants reportedly received information on regulatory framework and millers’ experience and achievements on wheat flour fortification in Uzbekistan, the procurement of micronutrient premix and support provided to millers in the country. Uzbekistan has an extensive experience fortifying food with minerals and vitamins, particularly wheat flour.

“This gives us the opportunity to learn about success stories, and institutional and legal frameworks on wheat flour fortification in Uzbekistan. This visit will further strengthen the implementation of the Law on Food Fortification and the National Programme for Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiency and Related Diseases among the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2022-2027,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Tajikistan Adham Musallam.

“WFP is committed to provide technical support to the Government, the private sector and relevant ministries and departments to promote wheat flour fortification in Tajikistan,” he added.

Fortification is one of the most cost-effective means of combating micronutrient deficiencies, which remains a public health issue, particularly for women and children in Tajikistan. Malnutrition can lead to the development of diseases and chronic health conditions.

The Government of Tajikistan reportedly adopted several strategic documents to eliminate micronutrient deficiencies among the population and has identified food security and nutrition as one of the country’s four strategic goals in the 2016-2030 National Development Strategy.

WFP is the only agency that brings fortified food, including fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil, to the country.  Through the National School Feeding Program, around 450,000 primary grade schoolchildren in 2,000 schools receive daily hot meals prepared with these nutritious ingredients.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.