COVID-19 has been a severe test to Mongolia's emergency preparedness system. On 10 March 2020, the country was shaken by the news of its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Yet long before the first case was announced, the government and the public had readied itself for such a scenario.
Starting on 6 January 2020, a multi-sectoral incident management team with more than 70 officials from 21 agencies covering health, transportation, border control, law enforcement, state administration, emergency management, communications, information and more worked in unison to contain the potential spread of the disease. The foundations of the shared strategy were solidarity, early preventive measures, multi-sectoral partnership and a culture of continuous improvement, supported by WHO.
Ten months later, Mongolia has recorded no deaths from the virus, 346 imported cases and no local transmission.
Mongolia’s approach has been based on lessons from outbreaks of SARS in 2003, H1N1 in 2009 and seasonal influenza, using WHO’s Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED) to prepare for the next pandemic. It focused on extensive testing and contact tracing, a well-prepared health system and a high level of community awareness of measures to protect and promote health.
Determined to make every effort to keep COVID-19 out, in early May 2020, Mongolia organized a large-scale national simulation exercise to test its response preparedness. The simulation exercise identified major gaps in the system and reinforced the need for continuous improvement.
Aware that the global pandemic is not yet over, Mongolia, with support from WHO, is doing its best to prepare for a better future with everyone acting in solidarity.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about Mongolia’s response to COVID-19 with support from WHO
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19