The third international conference “Nutrition Today Matters Tomorrow,” hosted by FAR on November 14-15 at the American University of Armenia, brought urgent attention to the state of nutrition in Armenia. International and local experts and participants discussed how digital food marketing, the prevalence of fast food advertising, inconsistent policy enforcement, limited public health campaigns, and gaps in legal oversight contribute to poor dietary habits and hinder effective nutrition programs.
To address issues like malnutrition, childhood obesity, and the rise of diet-related diseases, the conference highlighted the pressing need for preventive measures targeting these factors directly.
“If we don’t act now, we’ll face a future with more chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, which come with significant health and socio-economic costs,” cautioned Diana Andreasyan from the RA National Institute of Health, who presented findings on Armenia’s nutrition control efforts.
Co-organized with the World Food Program, Columbia University, NY, Institute-Human Nutrition and Texas A&M Agricultural, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center, the conference emphasized the importance of focusing on child and adolescent nutrition. Evidence-based approaches, supported by research data, are critical to addressing the escalating rates of obesity and related health complications among youth.
Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan underscored the challenge of implementing public health initiatives in Armenia: “Public health work is often overlooked and even criticized. Yet, without these interventions, we cannot safeguard the health of our population. Our programs on healthy nutrition must begin with breastfeeding at birth, but we must also prioritize adolescent health, as today’s adolescents will be tomorrow’s parents. Behavioral changes need to start with them.”
For two days, Armenian and international experts shared insights on nutrition programs and research, stressing the value of global perspectives. “Conferences like this, with international collaboration, bring new ideas and enrich our research efforts,” said Hambardzum Simonyan, FAR’s Health Programs Director. “Comparing data globally gives us a clearer understanding of trends and strengthens our vision for future actions.”
The Conference was organized and held within the scope of the FAR's Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavush Province (BCPP), which is generously funded by the Mardigian Family Foundation.
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