Ulaanbaatar,
April 22, 2026 /MONTSAME/. The Ulaanbaatar City Governor’s Office and UNICEF have announced a joint project targeting two distinct public health and social concerns: the prevention and reduction of Helicobacter pylori infection, and the combating of peer bullying among children.
As
of April 20, 2026, 65.5% of students have been vaccinated against the human
papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. The authorities plan to
achieve 100% coverage by June 1.
Officials noted that the initiative of the anti-peer bullying program will require at least two years to show tangible results.
A memorandum of
cooperation to continue these projects and ensure a safe and healthy
environment for children and youth was signed by Deputy Governor of the Capital
City Amartuvshin Amgalanbayar, and UNICEF Mongolia Resident Representative
Beate Dastel.
Deputy Mayor Amartuvshin stated, “The Mayor’s Office has planned three major health
initiatives. HPV vaccination coverage was over 20% in 2024 and over 40% in
2025, and in cooperation with UNICEF, we increased it to 65.5% within one
month. For example, Australia, with a population of 24 million, officially
introduced this vaccine in 2007 and, after 20 years, has effectively eliminated
its spread, with fewer than 200 cases per year caused by this disease. In
contrast, among 1.6 million women in our country, 250–280 cases are registered
annually, which is a very high number. Last year alone, 1,500 people died from
liver cancer and over 1,100 from stomach and intestinal cancers caused by
Helicobacter pylori. It is tragic and unacceptable that thousands die from
preventable diseases.”
To prevent
Helicobacter pylori infection, all school and kindergarten children will first
undergo testing to determine the level of prevalence, after which treatment
will begin. In addition, strict hygiene practices will be promoted not only in
schools and kindergartens but also at home, including the use of separate
dishes, utensils, and cutlery within families.
The city also
plans to equip all public schools and kindergartens with dishwashers and
sterilization equipment.
