Before the project, the couple used to borrow money often from neighbours to buy groceries or for medical care. Their situation has now dramatically improved.

People have begun referring to Monira and her team as the community poultry doctors. She and the other women vaccinators save money from their work in a joint account, which they intend to use to set up their own commercial farm soon.

The event was attended by technical officers of various Ministers and agencies that are working on strengthening gender perspectives in public policies.

By supporting children’s health from their first 1 000 days of life, FAO is sustainably strengthening the food security and nutrition of future generations and helping to achieve #ZeroHunger.

Although the pilot programme in Kyrgyzstan only serves 29 schools, its success could serve as a model for other initiatives across the country.