Mongolia has its sights set on long life expectancy, ecological balance and fewer people living in poverty by 2030. And the World Health Organization (WHO) is a key health partner supporting Mongolia’s efforts to pursue a strategic path towards universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals. In this spirit, Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, and Dr Ayush Tsogtsetseg, Minister of Health of Mongolia, today launched the new Mongolia–WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2017–2021 in Ulaanbaatar, jointly committing to pursue good health for all Mongolians.
In recent years, WHO has worked with national and local authorities to deliver cost-effective mobile health services to communities on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, the capital, as well as remote rural and nomadic communities. “Mongolia is showing a strong commitment to advance universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure no one is left behind—from nomadic families in the provinces to internal migrants in Ulaanbaatar," said Dr Shin.
Mongolia has achieved significant gains in health in recent years. Between 2000 and 2015, Mongolia reduced deaths among mothers and children. But too many people are still vulnerable to diseases such as tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms, and viral hepatitis which can lead to liver cancer. The burden of noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes is growing. In addition, social and environmental determinants of health such as air pollution, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation need to be addressed. These challenges call for stronger health systems and services that are tailored to the community’s needs. Reducing health risks in Mongolia also requires action by sectors other than health. These include urban planning to reduce road traffic crashes, agriculture initiatives to produce healthy food, and education programmes that give people the information they need to protect their health and that of their families.
To guide the collaborative work of the Ministry of Health and WHO over the coming five years, the Mongolia–WHO Country Cooperation Strategy spells out three strategic priorities:
- Building resilient health systems to advance universal health coverage, including strengthening health policies, financing and information; improving access to essential medicines and addressing antimicrobial resistance; and continuing to advance health security.
- Strengthening integrated, people-centred delivery of priority public health programmes, including prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases; and ensuring quality care for mothers, newborns, children and adolescents.
- Promoting health and healthy environments for all Mongolians through multisectoral engagement and health in all policies, focusing on stronger partnerships and improved coordination.
"The Government of Mongolia appreciates the strong and stable partnership with WHO. Through the Mongolia Sustainable Development Vision 2030, our country is taking concrete steps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This country cooperation strategy will guide our joint work and ensure that health outcomes for all Mongolians continue to improve in line with our vision for 2030," concluded Dr Tsogtsetseg.