Health project is being successfully implemented in the soums of Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan provinces

– The management teams of Save the Children and The Denan Project reviewed the project’s implementation and outcomes –

In Chandmani soum, Gobi-Altai province since 2022, in Tudevtei soum, in Zavkhan province since 2025, Save the Children Mongolia has been suppoting implementation of a healthcare project in partnership with the U.S.-based organization The Denan Project.

Save the Children, with funding from the U.S.-based The Denan Project, has supported a health project in Chandmani soum, Gobi-Altai province since 2022, and in Tudevtei Soum, Zavkhan Province since 2025. From September 14-19, 2026, L.Bayan-Altai, the Country Manager of Save the Children in Mongolia, together with Jean Shin, Board Member of the Denan Project conducted field visits in Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan provinces to monitor project implementation and review its impact.

Health project and school lunch programs are implemented in Tudevtei soum

On September 14, 2026, representatives of Save the Children and the donor met with local officials in Uliastai, including M.Urjinhand, Head of the Health Department of Zavkhan province; D.Badamsuren, Head of the Social policy department of the Governor’s Office; and P.Munkhzaya, Head of the Public policy department. The meeting focused on discussing the results of the healthcare project.

During the meeting, provincial officials highlighted the significant importance of the project implemented by Save the Children and Denan for local communities and children. In particular, they noted that the X-ray equipment provided by the project to the hospital in Tudevtei soum is one of only four such units available across the province, helping ensure that people living in remote areas can access timely healthcare services.

The representatives also met with D. Byambatsogt, Head of the Education department of  Zavkhan province, to discuss the outcomes of the school lunch program being implemented in Tudevtei soum and exchange views on its implementation.

He said, “As a result of the program, middle and high school students are now benefiting from the school lunch program with financial support from the ‘Denan Project’ and parents. Parents appreciate the provision of nutritious meals on a coordinated basis at a school in a soum located far from major food markets. We are planning to pilot this program at other schools as well.”

   

On September 15, 2026, the representatives of Save the Children and the donor visited Tudevtei soum to learn about the project being implemented at the Tudevtei soum Medical Centre and the outcomes of the school lunch program at the local school. As part of the “Denan Project,” a school lunch pilot program is being implemented for middle and high school students in Tudevtei soum. Parents cover 40 percent of the cost of one meal per child per day, while the remaining 60 percent is financed by the Denan project. The school currently has a total of 315 students, of whom about 200 students from 10 classes in grades 6–12 are participating in the new program. The school principal, Ch.Amarjargal, shared that since students began participating in the school lunch program, their academic performance has improved, while absenteeism and tardiness have decreased significantly. The representatives also met with school parents to hear their views and requests regarding the school lunch program and exchange ideas with them.

   

Moreover, through the “Denan Project,” a “Usvuriin emch” health club has been established among students in Tudevtei soum. The club provides health education and conducts activities aimed at promoting public health awareness. Over the past year, club members have provided school students with information on the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes, shared guidance on healthy and balanced eating habits, and conducted training on proper dental care and handwashing techniques.

With funding from the “Denan Project,” a fully equipped new dental cabinet was provided to the soum in April 2025. In 2026, 576 people received (dental or oral) treatment at the dental clinic, while 383 people underwent preventive dental examinations.

Dr.N.Ulziijargal, Head of the Health Centre, noted that the portable X-ray machine procured with funding from the Denan project has been making a significant impact. Previously, patients had to travel to the provincial centre to have X-rays taken. Today, residents of Tudevtei soum, and nearby soums, Asgat, Songino, Bayantes, Tes, Numrug, Bayankhairkhan, Santmargats, and Tsetsen-Uul can also access the service.

     

Kh.Saruul-Erdene, the Governor of Tudevtei Soum, welcomed the team and expressed his appreciation for the implementation and positive impact of the projects in the soum. Together, they also visited a herder family homenear the soum centre and discussed the quality and accessibility of soum healthcare services.

The Denan Project is being implemented at the Health Centre and Public School in Chandmani Soum

Shin Jean, a board member of of the “Denan Project,” met with D.Jargalsaikhan, Chairman of the Citizens’ Representative Khural of Chandmani Soum, Govi-Altai Province; Ts. Altankhishig, Governor of the soum; T.Boldbaatar, Deputy Governor; and P. Lkhazmaa, Principal of the Kindergarten. They exchanged views on the project activities being implemented in Chandmani soum.

Ch.Bat-Erdene, Head of the Health Centre, briefed Shin Jean, about the number of patients of the dental cabinet over the past year, the provision of healthcare services, the implementation of the project, and the use of the diesel generator received at the beginning of this year. In March 2026, Chandmani soum dentist and nurse travelled to the neighbouring Erdene Soum, located 35 kilometers away, with dental portable equipment. They provided preventive dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatment for children.

   

Shin Jean, Board member of the “Denan Project,” visited the school in Chandmani Soum to learn about the activities being implemented under the project. With funding from the project, a well was constructed to provide water for the school and dormitory. The well water is currently being used in the school kitchen and in the elementary school sanitation facilities. O.Gereltsetseg, the school principal said, “Since the school now has its own well, children have access to water that meets hygiene standards. In addition, primary school students now have access to improved sanitation facilities.”

Through the “Denan Project,” a school health club has been established to provide health education and conduct activities aimed at promoting public health awareness. E.Enkhmunkh, 12 grade A class student and leader of the “Enkhiin Uilsten” Club, presented the activities carried out by the health club over the past year.

In collaboration with the school doctor, club members have organized training sessions on preventing infectious diseases such as measles, basic life support, and the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes. They have also conducted awareness-raising activities and distributed health promotional materials and guides to all students.

The project team, together with Dr. Ch. Bat-Erdene, Head of the Health Centre, and B.Badamtsetseg, a bagh doctor, visited the family of herder B.Khuyagbaatar to learn about how herder families access healthcare services. Dr.B.Badamtsetseg provided the parents with guidance/recommendation on their infant’s scheduled vaccinations/immunization scheduled/, growth and development, and nutrition.

  

On September 19, 2026, L. Bayan-Altai, Country Director of Save the Children in Mongolia, and Shin Jean, Board member of the “Denan Project” and Project Coordinator in Mongolia, met with G.Chinbat, Governor of Gobi-Altai Province, in Altai City. They discussed the progress and outcomes of the healthcare project being implemented in the province. Governor G.Chinbat expressed his appreciation to Save the Children for implementing a number of important projects and programs in Govi-Altai Province in healthcare sector. He also expressed the provincial government’s interest in maintaining long-term and sustainable cooperation with Save the Children. He provided a detailed overview of the progress, results, and achievements of the health program under the “2024–2028 Governor’s Action Program” and requested that a dental cabinet be established in Tseel Soum.

In addition, on September 18, 2026, L.Bayan-Altai, Country Director of Save the Children in Mongolia, met with B.Tuul, Head of Health Department of Gobi-Altai province, in Altai City to discuss the results and achievements of the health and child protection projects being implemented in Gobi-Altai Province.