Mongolia

Background

According to several studies carried out by UNDP and WHO, 51% of the adult population of Mongolia drinks too much alcohol and 27.5% of mortality is attributed to alcoholism. This scourge has serious consequences for the lives of Mongolians—such as domestic violence, crime and accidents. The authorities, conscious of the severity of the public health problem, have set up an alcoholism action plan, and MdM’s work is integrated into this plan.

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Preventing and treating alcoholism

»ACTIVITIES
The Ulan Bator programme aims to reduce mortality associated with alcohol abuse, tuberculosis and hepatitis. To achieve this objective, MdM has pursued several different approaches. Firstly, patient screening was provided and a service to accompany patients to appropriate medical services was offered. MdM also ran an awareness-raising campaign about the risks associated with alcohol and provided training for health workers and prevention groups on caring for victims of alcoholism. Lobbying work—aimed at the health authorities and the political decision-makers—was also carried out.

»OUTLOOK
The programme finished on 31 January 2009, following a conference where the results of the three year programme were presented to the Mongolian partners and authorities. Two Mongolian associations (Mongol Urkh and Ireeduin Gaarts) will continue the work started by MdM.