Relevance, strategic objectives and prospects for the development of the institute of nutrition and biotechnology of the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
Abstract
In the Kyrgyz Republic, issues of healthy nutrition and food security have gained strategic importance due to the persistent “double burden” of nutritional disorders, the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related non-communicable diseases, especially among children and vulnerable population groups. The absence of a specialised institute of nutrition limits the scientific support of state policy in this area. The aim of this work was to justify the need to establish an Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology at the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy as a comprehensive scientific, educational, and clinical production centre in the field of healthy nutrition and biotechnology. An analytical and systematic review was conducted using official statistical data from the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, results of the national study on micronutrient status, regulatory and legal documents, and reports from international organisations. A comparative analysis of international experience in the functioning of nutrition institutes and a content analysis of scientific publications were also employed. It was found that integrating the potential of the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy with the dietetics department of the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health would enable the creation of an institutionally sustainable model for the scientific support of nutrition policy.
The goals, mission, main areas of activity, tasks, and organisational structure of the Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology were defined, focusing on the prevention of diet-related diseases, the development of clinical nutrition and dietetics, biotechnology, and the training of qualified personnel. It was demonstrated that the establishment of the Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology is a strategically justified and timely step that will contribute to strengthening the healthcare system, improving food security, and enhancing the quality and length of life of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic
Keywords:
nutritional security; clinical nutrition; dietetics; biotechnology; diet-related diseases; functional foods; food securityReferences
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