Conducting drug trials on schoolchildren is bound to stir controversy, even if the trial has the blessing of Harvard University. There are currently very mixed feelings about a Vitamin D trial conducted in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, by an NGO with reports of both positive and negative results.

The Vitamin D trial among Mongolian schoolchildren during the 2015-2016 academic year was conducted by the ‘Mongolian Health Initiative’ NGO. According to B.Uyanga, an executive from the organisation, a randomised Vitamin D trial among 9814 students aged between 6-13 was conducted; the aim, to investigate whether taking daily dietary vitamin D supplement will help prevent tuberculosis. The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mongolian Health Ministry, the Academic Commission of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences and the Ethics Committee of Harvard University, said B.Uyanga. As a result of the trial, a total of 946 students were diagnosed with a hidden tuberculosis infection.

However, Ts.Erdenebaatar, president of the Mongolian National Parents’ Committee reported that  the Vitamin D trial conducted by the NGO had detrimentally effected the children’s health.  His  cousin participated in the D vitamin trial in 2016. However, he complained about having a sharp pain in right lung and became unable to participate in P.E. lessons. Before the trial, he had been diagnosed with no health problems.

The trial was held every Thursday. Those conducting the tests asked the pupils if they felt tired or weak after taking the supplements.

The Vitamin D trial was conducted in following schools in Ulaanbaatar:

• 113th school of the Bayangol District
• 49th , 72nd ,37th ,57th school of the Chingeltei District
• 34th, 60th school of the Khan-Uul District
• 21st, 19th school and Shavi complex of the Bayanzurkh District
• 65th , 12th, 107th school of the Songinokhairkhan District
• 4th, 16th school of the Sukhbaatar District