From February 15-20, 2023, USAID Advancing Nutrition Kyrgyz Republic organized a second showing of the “Unexplored Potential” photo exhibition at the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan. On February 16, USAID Deputy Administrator, Isobel Coleman, visited the exhibition with U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Lesslie Viguerie. The two also met with project partners and leading experts on nutrition and food security from the World Health Organization, Republican Center for Health Promotion, and the Kyrgyzstan Association of Village Health Committees to discuss USAID Advancing Nutrition’s multi-sectoral work that addresses the multiple causes of malnutrition, such as:

• strengthening nutrition outcomes within health systems;
• improving food security and nutrition of poor and vulnerable populations; and
• training activists who share nutrition messages to the local population.

Our Chief of Party in the Kyrgyz Republic, Nazgul Abazbekova, highlighted the project’s role to strengthen country commitment and capacity for multi-sectoral nutrition programming by supporting the establishment of multi-sectoral nutrition platforms in Batken Jalal-Abad and Issyk-Kul Oblasts. These platforms convene regional government and other stakeholders from a wide range of sectors to improve nutrition and hygiene in the country.

The project is generating evidence, facilitating learning and innovation for improved nutrition, and strengthening national guidelines, protocols, and trainings. USAID Advancing Nutrition is also building health provider capacity on nutrition topics including infant and young child feeding, adolescent girls and women nutrition, and early childhood development.

After their discussion with the experts, Dr. Coleman and guests toured the National Museum, becoming more familiar with Kyrgyz history and traditions.