Cardiovascular diseases are the predominant
cause of death in
Tajikistan, with a growing burden of ischaemic
heart disease,
strokes and
cirrhosis between 1990 and 2010. Considering this, this
report focuses on
cardiovascular diseases and their
risk factors, such as
hypertension and poor
nutrition; it is estimated that 40% of the Tajik
population is
overweight and 9% is obese. Other
risk factors such as diabetes and
tobacco use are also analysed. While
Tajikistan has made some progress in implementing anti-
smoking policies and reducing the harmful use of alcohol, opportunities such as better enforcement and
monitoring of legislation exist. Significant challenges also remain for coverage of core individual services, especially in the effective
diagnosis and management of key
cardiovascular disease conditions, such as
hypertension and diabetes. This
report identifies key
health system challenges that prevent greater coverage of core
noncommunicable diseases interventions and services, and proposes three strategic recommendations to accelerate gains in
cardiovascular diseases outcomes.