Translated with AI
On April 15, Khatlon Region Chairman Davlatali Said met with Simon Hollema, Representative and Country Director of the UN World Food Programme in Tajikistan. This was reported by the Khatlon Region Chairman's press service.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for its further development.
It is noted that the UN World Food Programme is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, working to combat hunger, provide food assistance in emergencies, improve nutrition, and build social resilience. On average, the program provides assistance to more than 80 million people annually in more than 80 countries.
It is emphasized that the Tajik government's cooperation with the UN WFP is considered effective. Through joint projects, approximately 2,000 general education institutions in the country have been provided with food, and primary school students are now receiving nutritious meals.
Since the mid-2000s, the program has reportedly expanded the implementation of "food for work" and "community asset restoration" initiatives in the Khatlon region. These programs develop agricultural infrastructure, irrigation systems, and cultivated land, as well as implement environmental protection measures, thereby strengthening rural livelihoods.
It is noted that school nutrition programs in the region have yielded significant results. Currently, more than 220,000 students and technical staff in 707 educational institutions in 24 cities and districts of the region are provided with food products, including flour, oil, and chickpeas.
In addition, programs are being implemented to support children aged 6 to 59 months who are at risk for malnutrition. These initiatives cover the cities and districts of Kulob, Jaloliddin Balkhi, Dusti, and Shahritus. Children with malnutrition receive specialized products and medical care. In 2025, assistance was provided to 3,347 children through 209 medical facilities.
The meeting also highlighted the implementation of the "Food Safety Net Operations in Tajikistan" project, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The project aims to strengthen the food security and resilience of vulnerable households and is being implemented in the Panj, Vakhsh, Khuroson, and Vose districts.
Additionally, with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency, a project is being implemented to introduce agricultural technologies to young farms in several districts of the region. Project partners include the public organizations Peshsaf and Agro Lab.
During the discussions, the need for additional support for farms, especially those run by women, was emphasized. Priorities included the introduction of modern technologies, provision of high-quality seeds, development of processing, and increased market access.
In conclusion, the parties expressed their readiness to further expand cooperation and implement new projects in the Khatlon region.
Following the meeting, the WFP Representative in Tajikistan participated in a number of events, including the opening of a school feeding unit at the Khatlon Regional Education Department, as well as the handover of a Toyota Prado official vehicle to the department.
He also familiarized himself with the organization of school meals at Secondary School No. 33 in the Jaloliddin Balkhi district and with the program for treating malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months at the Kizil Tojikiston rural health center.
