Mongolia Women’s Health: A study by Asia Pacific Development Centre – Gender and Development Programme (GAD-APDC)
Reported, January 2, 2012
The national health policy of Mongolia reflects the goals of the global strategy o health for al by the year 2000 and is based on the PHC (public health centre) as the cornerstone of future health policy. The new Constitution of Mongolia which was adopted in 1992 sets down the basic rights and freedom of citizens, including the right to live in a healthy and safe environment, to have social benefits during pregnancy, child care, old age, loss of working ability and to have access to and protection from medical care and other health services according to legal regulations. All pre- and post-natal care are provided free of charge. The revised health law in 1989 removed the ban on abortion. In 1991, the health law introduced the possibility of having privately funded health services. Other laws/regulations on health which were introduced in 1993 include the health insurance law, the law on AIDS and the regulation on alcohol and tobacco. In 1995, the government introduced the social insurance law directed to maintain and improve the existing coverage and accessibility of the entire population to health services regardless of their income and other position.
The Government has been implementing a number of national programmes in collaboration with international organisations for improving women’s health, particularly reproductive health. Other aspects of the health programme are the expanded programme on immunisation, the adolescent health programme and the nutrition programme which includes the promotion of breastfeeding. Although Mongolia has made some advances in building the medical infrastructure, the rural sector continues to provide challenges because of its scattered population. The government is undertaking special services for pregnant women and since 1960, has established Maternity Rest Homes in rural areas.
The previous coverage of immunising more than 90% of the population from infectious diseases has decreased. Although there has been an improvement in life expectancy, and in the infant and under five mortality rate, the maternal mortality rate continues to remain high. While there have been improvements in Mongolian women’s health status and in coverage by and access to health services, not all women have benefited equally. In addition, other factors to be considered in the formulation of health policy and programmes include:
Life style factors such, as alcohol abuse, poor diet and lack of exercise which contribute towards increasing morbidity and mortality rate – for non communicable diseases.
Significant effects of unsafe water and inadequate sanitation which have an impact on health status of women and children. Inadequate nutrition, especially of pregnant women, remains a major problem.
High rates of maternal mortality and abortion and the lack of knowledge on reproductive health are also priority issues.
The high rate of STD prevalence and the increasing phenomenon of prostitution are becoming critical areas of women’s health. HIV/AIDS is, as yet, not a major problem.
Credits and information at :
http://www.aworc.org/bpfa/res/crep/mn00001.html