Tajikistan Strengthens Early Childhood Intervention Services
For Children with Developmental Needs
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) centers in Tajikistan continue to provide essential services for children with developmental difficulties and disabilities, ensuring timely support for their growth and overall development.
Currently, 13 ECI centers operate across the country through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, UNICEF and civil society organizations. These centers offer daily rehabilitation and developmental services, bringing together multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, educators and social workers. Parents are also actively engaged and trained to continue therapeutic practices at home. Experience shows that the activities of such centers are effective and necessary and benefit the country by providing children and families with services vital to their development, on the one hand and significantly reducing the level of disability and improving the health of the population, on the other.
A recent example is two-year-old Khadicha Sharifova from Khujand with Down syndrome. Since enrolling in an ECI center in April 2025, she has made significant progress. Initially unable to sit, grasp objects or move independently, Khadicha has, within a year, begun crawling, walking, speaking and engaging with others. Her progress has been supported by both professional therapy and continued care at home and was also made possible due to early intervention: her parents sought support at an early stage and actively engaged in supporting their child’s development, rather than delaying action.
Her mother, Nilufar, emphasizes the importance of early support and awareness:
“Parents should not hide or feel ashamed of their child’s diagnosis. Today, there are many specialists and opportunities available. Seeking help early allows children to grow and develop alongside others.”
Despite these positive outcomes, access to services remains limited. Key challenges include the insufficient number of ECI centers and a shortage of trained specialists. UNICEF Tajikistan, in collaboration with the Government is working to address these gaps.
As part of these efforts, a Charity Gala Dinner titled “Silk Promise: The Journey Begins”, planned for June 2026, aims to mobilize support for children. The event will bring together government representatives, business leaders and partners to raise funds for expanding ECI services.
Proceeds from the Gala will support the establishment of 10 additional ECI centers, enabling more than 1,000 children to access early identification, therapy and family support services. The initiative will also include equipping centers with specialized materials and strengthening the capacity of professionals.
Expanding access to early intervention remains critical to ensuring that every child, regardless of their condition, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Continued investment and partnerships will be key to scaling up these services and building a more inclusive and supportive system for children and families across Tajikistan.
