From September 1, it is proposed to ban the sale of sweet, fizzy and energy drinks, as well as fast food in schools and near them at a distance of at least 500 m. This is provided for in the draft National Strategy to Promote Adolescent Health and Well-Being for 2022-2026.
The draft noted the problems associated with the nutrition of adolescents. According to studies conducted in 2017, the prevalence of overweight children and adolescents aged 5–19 years increased from 8.4% to 16.3% among boys, from 11% to 17% among girls, obesity from 2 % to 5% in boys and from 1% to 3% in girls.
“Improper nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in girls may cause complications in future pregnancies,” the document says.
In this regard, it is planned to develop and implement a program for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies in adolescents aged 10–15 years, as well as to introduce a deworming program (prevention of intestinal helminth infections) for adolescents based on schools and medical institutions.
In addition, it is proposed to revise educational programs on adolescent nutrition in the medical education system, as well as to introduce topics related to rational nutrition.
The draft provides for strengthening the capacity of government bodies, public and non-governmental organizations on issues related to reproductive health and the consequences of early marriage among adolescents.
The Ministry of Health also proposed to allocate time on television, including prime time, for social advertising promoting a healthy image in the media.
In November 2019, Uzbekistan allowed the sale of alcoholic and tobacco products in stores located at a distance of at least 200 m (previously it was 500 m) from educational, sports and religious institutions.
