Mongolia

The State Policy on Health 2017–2026 of Mongolia aims to improve the population’s health outcomes by addressing major public health challenges, enhancing service quality, and strengthening health system governance. The policy was introduced to combat increasing mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which account for over 80% of deaths. Maternal and child health outcomes have improved, but Mongolia continues to face challenges with preventable diseases and rising obesity rates, particularly among children and adolescents. The policy also focuses on mitigating environmental pollution’s adverse health impacts, especially in urban ger areas​. Mongolia’s healthcare infrastructure, financing, and human resources have not kept pace with demand, contributing to citizen dissatisfaction with service quality. Out-of-pocket health expenditures remain high at around 40%, exceeding WHO recommendations​. The policy outlines critical goals, such as increasing life expectancy, reducing maternal and child mortality, and strengthening preventive healthcare. It emphasizes equitable service delivery, health financing reforms, and workforce development while addressing environmental health risks. Specific priorities include reducing tobacco and alcohol use, improving food safety, and enhancing disaster preparedness. Implementation challenges include inadequate financing (health expenditure at 2.4% of GDP remains below targets), disparities in rural access to healthcare, and workforce shortages. Sustaining progress requires greater intersectoral collaboration, increased investment in digital health, and improved governance systems. Mongolia’s health policy sets a solid foundation for systemic improvements, but financial sustainability, environmental health, and equitable access must be addressed to achieve its long-term objectives by 2026.