Standing Committee on Social policy, education, culture and science conducted a public hearing on “Poverty and health” along with Ministry of Population Development, Social Welfare and Ministry of Health on Wednesday December 18th.

The public hearing was represented by officials of Ministry of Population Development, Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and several MPs.

During the public hearing the UN surveys on poverty level and vulnerable groups in Mongolia were reported. The UN reports that poverty levels remain stubbornly high in the countryside in Mongolia. It shows that out of 340 soums, 237 are poorer than the national average. Several factors such as lack of infrastructure, employment, education, geographical location contribute to rural poverty.

The highest poverty risks are faced by children aged 0-5. The very young are at highest risk of maltreatment, illness and developmental problems

And it reports also Mongolia spends less on health service for the poor than the rich