The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed an additional $250,000 (700 million MNT) to support the Government of Mongolia’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its implementing partner, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), USAID will support the Mongolian Ministry of Health’s vaccine distribution efforts, including the monitoring and disposal of supplies, improving cold chain storage, and providing real-time data on immunizations.

“The rapid spread of COVID-19 has demonstrated that no nation can act alone against a global pandemic. The United States is proud to have Mongolia as a Strategic Partner, and this assistance today is a clear demonstration of our unwavering cooperation,” said U.S. Ambassador Michael S. Klecheski.  “As a friend and third neighbour, the United States will continue to stand by the people of Mongolia in these challenging times.”

With this additional assistance, the United States has provided over $4 million (11 billion MNT) bilaterally to help Mongolia respond to COVID-19. USAID is focused on strengthening Mongolia’s ability to fight the disease through infection prevention and control; preparing laboratory systems for large-scale testing; and communicating with the public on steps they can take to prevent and respond to the spread of the virus.

The United States is the world’s largest provider of assistance in public health. Over the past two decades, the United States has provided more than $140 billion in global health assistance. This includes being the single largest donor to COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access initiative with an initial pledge of $2 billion through USAID—out of a total planned $4 billion—to support the purchase and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines for Mongolia and 91 other countries.