Breastfeeding rate in Tajikistan increases from 34% to 41%
The share of children receiving breast milk in Tajikistan has increased from 34% to 41%, according to an analysis of data collected from the country’s medical institutions in recent years.
The figures were presented at a roundtable organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population under the theme «Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works.»
The event brought together ministry officials, development partners and healthcare professionals working in maternal and child health.
According to the ministry, the use of infant formula has become increasingly common in rural areas. In response, health authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns, particularly among pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Medical specialists say that children who are mainly fed artificial formula are 10 to 15 times more likely to develop gastrointestinal infections and acute respiratory illnesses.
Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health began promoting breastfeeding in 1994. Since 1998, the ten principles of successful breastfeeding have been introduced in maternity facilities across the country.
Specialists emphasize the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from the beginning of pregnancy until the age of two. Proper nutrition and care during this period lay the foundation for a child’s physical, intellectual and psychological development.
According to health professionals, breast milk supports brain development and strengthens a child’s immune system.
Medical institutions organize consultations and educational meetings for parents, distribute informational materials and teach pregnant women and new mothers proper breastfeeding techniques.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally from August 1 to 7. In Tajikistan, the campaign has been held as a ten-day initiative, running from August 1 to 10, since 2001.
More than 121,000 children born in six months
A total of 121,810 children were born in Tajikistan during the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Health. This was 1,137 more births than during the same period in 2025.
The country also recorded a decline in infant and child mortality.
The mortality rate among children under one year of age fell to 10.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with 11.4 in 2025.
The mortality rate among children under five declined to 12.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 13.6 a year earlier.
The figures were presented at a roundtable organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population under the theme «Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works.»
The event brought together ministry officials, development partners and healthcare professionals working in maternal and child health.
According to the ministry, the use of infant formula has become increasingly common in rural areas. In response, health authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns, particularly among pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Medical specialists say that children who are mainly fed artificial formula are 10 to 15 times more likely to develop gastrointestinal infections and acute respiratory illnesses.
Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health began promoting breastfeeding in 1994. Since 1998, the ten principles of successful breastfeeding have been introduced in maternity facilities across the country.
Specialists emphasize the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from the beginning of pregnancy until the age of two. Proper nutrition and care during this period lay the foundation for a child’s physical, intellectual and psychological development.
According to health professionals, breast milk supports brain development and strengthens a child’s immune system.
Medical institutions organize consultations and educational meetings for parents, distribute informational materials and teach pregnant women and new mothers proper breastfeeding techniques.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally from August 1 to 7. In Tajikistan, the campaign has been held as a ten-day initiative, running from August 1 to 10, since 2001.
More than 121,000 children born in six months
A total of 121,810 children were born in Tajikistan during the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Health. This was 1,137 more births than during the same period in 2025.
The country also recorded a decline in infant and child mortality.
The mortality rate among children under one year of age fell to 10.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with 11.4 in 2025.
The mortality rate among children under five declined to 12.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 13.6 a year earlier.
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