Mongolia

Bilateral development cooperation between Luxembourg and Mongolia, particularly in the health sector, began in 2001. Since then, LuxDev has been supporting the Mongolian government in implementing initiatives aimed at combating cardiovascular diseases.

This support involves close collaboration between LuxDev, Mongolia’s Third State Central Shastin Hospital, which houses the National Cardiovascular Centre, and Luxembourg’s National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiolog (INCCI).

LuxDev’s interventions in Mongolia are managed from its headquarters in Luxembourg.

Over the past 30 years, Mongolia has transitioned into a dynamic democracy and has seen its GDP per capita triple. With its vast agricultural, livestock, and mineral resources, combined with an increasingly educated population, the country holds promising long-term development prospects.

However, Mongolia faces challenges due to its growing reliance on the mining sector and seeks to diversify its economy. Its coal-driven growth is worsening environmental issues, including soil degradation and water scarcity. Additionally, the effects of climate change are becoming more severe, with harsher winters devastating livestock populations.

In education, significant progress has been made, but access and quality remain issues, particularly for rural herders’ children, children with disabilities, and those from low-income families.

In terms of healthcare, Mongolia struggles with limited access to medical supplies and equipment, as well as a shortage of qualified medical personnel, especially in rural areas. Cardiovascular diseases, the country’s leading cause of death, are a critical public health concern.

LuxDev’s support to Mongolia’s health sector is focused on tackling cardiovascular diseases.

In partnership with the National Cardiovascular Centre of Mongolia and the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology of Luxembourg, LuxDev supports the implementation of Mongolia’s national strategy to combat cardiovascular diseases. Key initiatives include:

• expanding cardiovascular and cardiac care coverage nationwide, through infrastructure development and equipment provision;
• enhancing healthcare workforce capacity and advancing telemedicine services;
• implementing disease prevention initiatives.

Mongolia’s remarkable expertise in telemedicine and interventional cardiology is now being shared beyond its borders: LuxDev is facilitating knowledge transfer to Laos, where Luxembourg Cooperation is also active.