Central Asian countries synchronize efforts on developing healthy dietary guidelines

The ancient Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates once said: “We are what we eat.” This statement remains relevant today: human health depends directly on one’s diet.

To this end, a three-day technical workshop on the development of healthy dietary guidelines took place from 20 to 22 May. The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the multi-country project “Multisectoral Policy Recommendations for Addressing Malnutrition from an Agrifood System Perspective", aimed at improving nutrition and transforming Central Asian food systems through enhanced cross-sectoral collaboration. 

Key national and regional experts in nutrition, agriculture, and health from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, to discuss progress achieved, highlight national successes and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing malnutrition from an agrifood systems perspective. 

Reflecting on Hippocrates’ message, participants symbolically named the most popular dishes in their respective countries at the beginning of the workshop.

“Good nutrition is the foundation upon which healthy societies and sustainable national development are built,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, in his welcome remarks. “By developing locally adapted dietary guidelines, we connect healthy diets with sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, drawing on scientific knowledge and traditional experience.”

To promote better nutrition and transform food systems in Central Asia, FAO is supporting Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in the development of food systems-based dietary guidelines. These guidelines take into account the national context and aim to promote healthy diets based on sustainable food systems.

“These guidelines are grounded in a multisectoral approach,” explained Simone Gie, FAO Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines Specialist. “The FAO methodology for food systems-based dietary guidelines goes beyond consumer behaviour alone and considers what different food system actors can do to ensure healthy diets from sustainable sources.”

During the workshop, participants presented preliminary results of the application of the FAO methodology for food systems-based dietary guidelines in their countries. Progress and successes in developing and implementing the guidelines were analysed, while participants exchanged experiences among countries and explored opportunities for regional cooperation on nutrition. Discussions also focused on the development of recommendations based on food systems analysis and the exchange of food composition data.

Developing tailored dietary guidelines

Special attention was paid to the experience of Kyrgyzstan. As reported by Baktygul Ybyshova, Head of the Technical Regulation Unit of the Department of Disease Prevention at the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, nutrition issues in the country are now being examined through the lens of food systems, from production and processing to the availability and consumption of food products.

The main objective identified during the presentations was to develop guidelines that take into account national specificities, cultural habits, and local foods. This includes increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products, as well as the prudent consumption of meat and pulses. Particular attention is being paid to reducing the intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Participants agreed on the importance of strengthening the link between agriculture and healthy diets, supporting local producers, and stimulating the production of diverse and high-quality products, which would not only improve nutrition, but also enhance food security in the region.
As noted during the seminar, raising public awareness also plays a key role in fostering a culture of healthy eating from an early age through schools, medical institutions, and community-based programmes.

Representatives of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan shared their national experiences, existing approaches, and priority directions in the development of food systems based healthy dietary guidelines. Participants highly valued the opportunity for dialogue and confirmed their readiness to further deepen regional cooperation.

The development of food systems-based dietary guidelines was recognized as a comprehensive approach that brings together health, agriculture, and sustainable development for the benefit of future generations in Central Asian countries. The next step will be the finalization of national guidelines based on the outcomes of the discussions, followed by their official endorsement and implementation at the national level.