Save the Children delivers humanitarian aid to Dzud-affected families in Uvs, Zavkhan, Uvurkhangai, Gobi-Altai, Sukhbaatar provinces
(Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar (March 12, 2024) With 80% of Mongolia grappling with the harsh effects of Dzud, a devastating winter phenomenon, Save the Children stepped in to deliver critical aid to herder families. According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the Dzud has resulted in the death of 3.9 million livestock nationwide to date.
From February 16th to 22nd, Save the Children conducted a humanitarian project in Uvs, Zavkhan, Uvurkhangai, Gobi-Altai, and Sukhbaatar provinces. The project provided essential support to 810 herder families across these regions. This included the distribution of 160 kg of fodder per family and MNT 500,000 in cash assistance to families in Khyargas, Malchin, Sagil (Uvs province), Ikh-Uul, Tosontsengel, Numrug (Zavkhan province), Yesunbulag, Bayan-Uul, Khukhmorit (Gobi-Altai province), and Khujirt, Guchin-Us, Bogd soums (Uvurkhangai province) respectively.
Recognizing the emotional toll Dzud takes on children, Save the Children prioritized their well-being. A 16-hour training course on “Psychological First Aid for Children” was provided for dormitory teachers in all the aforementioned provinces.
The crucial support continued into early March, with a dedicated project rolled out in Sukhbaatar province (March 4th-6th). This initiative provided MNT 500,000 in cash assistance to 180 herder families residing in Khalzan, Tuvshinshiree, and Uulbayan soums. Additionally, the Sukhbaatar Province Emergency Department received MNT 17,440,000 to fuel vehicles used for clearing roads and ensuring emergency services could reach those in need. Furthermore, 10 heavy-duty tires valued at MNT 5,000,000 were provided for emergency vehicles.
The dormitory teachers in Sukhbaatar province also received training on “Psychological First Aid for Children”. This training equipped teachers with the knowledge and tools to provide vital mental health support to children of herder families impacted by Dzud.
The impact extends beyond immediate assistance. Dormitory teachers from 109 soums across all five provinces, trained as trainers themselves, are now conducting psychological support services and leading crucial training sessions for children of herder families. Specialists from local Education and science, Family, children, and youth development departments, as well as Emergency departments of the five provinces, also participated in the training sessions, fostering a collaborative approach to supporting children.
“Dzud creates a significant psychological burden for children of herder families,” said L.Bayan-Altai, Country Manager and Representative of Save the Children in Mongolia. “This humanitarian project encompasses livestock feed, cash assistance, and psychological training. We are happy to aid those affected by this natural disaster,” he said.
This humanitarian project is generously funded by a collective contribution of USD 295,000 from the Start Network in the UK, Save the Children International, and Save the Children Japan. Save the Children in Mongolia and World Vision Mongolia are jointly implementing the project.
For more information, please contact Khulan Munkh-Erdene, Advocacy and Communication Manager of Save the Children in Mongolia: khulan.munkh-erdene@savethechildren.org
Landline: 976-11-329365 (ext.15)