On October 15–16, a policy dialogue focused on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through improved food systems and multisectoral collaboration was held at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population. The event was organized with the support of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and in partnership with the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan.
The dialogue gathered representatives from the Parliament, key national and international stakeholders across various government sectors — including health, education, youth, agriculture, finance, economy, and construction — as well as civil society, academia, and UN agencies. The goal was to promote implementation of WHO-recommended actions. Deputy of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Munavvar Abdusalomzoda shared valuable perspectives during the discussions.
Participants emphasized that non-communicable diseases are the primary cause of mortality and disability across the WHO European Region and pose significant social and economic challenges. These diseases are largely driven by four modifiable behavioral risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and harmful alcohol consumption.
Experts provided recommendations on reducing salt intake, eliminating trans fats, introducing taxes on sugary beverages, and limiting the marketing of unhealthy food products to children.
