Overview
The “Avian and Human Influenza Control, Preparedness and Response Project” (Sept. 2008 – Nov. 2011) strengthened the capacity of Mongolia’s emergency departments, public health system and veterinary services to detect and respond to potential outbreaks of infectious diseases such as an avian and human pandemic influenza.
For the first time, the concept of “One Health” was put into practice in the country – different sectors such as emergency management, health, agriculture, inspection, at both national and local levels, worked together in joint planning, training and exercise for disease prevention and control.
Challenge
Mongolia is a land-locked country bordered by China and Russia. Both countries have reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza that could be transmitted to humans. Mongolia became vulnerable to this serious disease.
Mongolia also plays a unique role in global response to avian influenza. Every year, millions of birds migrate through Mongolia between their Arctic breeding ground and the wintering ground in the south. Monitoring those birds is an essential task for Mongolia.
In response to the threat posed by the disease, the Government of Mongolia prepared a three-year National Strategy and Action Plan for Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza and requested the World Bank to carry out an independent evaluation of the strategy, which the Bank conducted in 2007. The assessment noted the country’s progress in disease preparedness but also pointed out the existing gaps, such as lack of technical and financial resources and low personnel capacity in Mongolia to fight diseases.
Approach
The project focused on strengthening the capacity of key agencies involved in the Avian and Human Influenza preparedness and response: the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of the Ministry of Food, the Agriculture and Light Industry of the Ministry of Health (MOH), and their counterparts at the aimag (province) level. It aimed to raise awareness among senior policy makers and officials, review and improve the existing policy and regulatory framework related to the disease, improve the existing command and control structures with international best practices, and develop standard operational procedures.
The project also helped establish computer-based early warning and surveillance systems across the country, equipped response teams in different sectors with better technical skills, and upgraded infection control and intensive care facilities in provincial hospitals that could be most exposed to such diseases.