The World Bank and UNICEF, the United Nations' Children's Fund, say undernourishment annually claims the lives of more than 7,500 children under the age of five in Tajikistan.
In a joint report, the two organizations say a lack of sufficient food remains a significant public health and development challenge in the poverty-stricken Central Asian country.
The report said that almost every third child in Tajikistan is estimated to be short for their age, a problem attributed to undernourishment.
This latest study follows new criticism from President Emomali Rahmon of the unhealthy eating habits of many Tajiks, which Rahmon said leads to obesity and other health problems.
At a cabinet meeting last on March 30, Rahmon called on Tajiks to eat less "heavy food" and get more physical exercise.
In a joint report, the two organizations say a lack of sufficient food remains a significant public health and development challenge in the poverty-stricken Central Asian country.
The report said that almost every third child in Tajikistan is estimated to be short for their age, a problem attributed to undernourishment.
This latest study follows new criticism from President Emomali Rahmon of the unhealthy eating habits of many Tajiks, which Rahmon said leads to obesity and other health problems.
At a cabinet meeting last on March 30, Rahmon called on Tajiks to eat less "heavy food" and get more physical exercise.
