The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over more than 500 units of modern medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan in a significant move to bolster the country’s healthcare system.
The official handover ceremony took place on May 6 in Dushanbe and was attended by Deputy Health Minister Shodikhon Jamshed and international partners.
Jamshed expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s longstanding cooperation, adding that such support plays a vital role in strengthening Tajikistan’s healthcare capacity. The new equipment, including CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines and oxygen concentrators, will be used to treat newborns with respiratory difficulties and patients requiring oxygen therapy.
“The equipment will be distributed across 73 neonatal care facilities nationwide. Additionally, training courses will be held for healthcare workers on using these devices and providing respiratory care to newborns,” Jamshed stated.
Since its founding in 1946, UNICEF has been active in Tajikistan through various initiatives aimed at advancing children’s rights and improving access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
One of its flagship efforts includes a $1 million juvenile justice reform project, implemented in partnership with the Swiss government. The initiative seeks to establish alternative measures for minors in conflict with the law, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.
In the field of early education, UNICEF and USAID are implementing a five-year, $7.5 million program to enhance school readiness. This includes teacher training, updated educational materials, and the promotion of inclusive learning environments.
To address malnutrition, UNICEF has launched a three-year program in Khatlon and Dushanbe aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition and reducing mortality. Emphasis is placed on primary healthcare and preventive measures.
In collaboration with the European Union, UNICEF is also contributing to the restoration of medical infrastructure. One example is the refurbishment of the central district hospital in Tursunzade, part of Tajikistan’s National Health Strategy 2030, designed to expand access to essential health services across the country.
