UNICEF is collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (MECS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the on-going government relief efforts for populations living in dzud-affected rural areas. It has dispatched the first consignment of essential supplies to children of herder families, targeted especially at those living in poorly heated dormitories. Subsequent supplies in the coming weeks will include food, fuel and medical equipment.

The present UNICEF consignment comprises material of essential daily use worth USD136,515 for 3,929 children staying in dormitories in 22 soums of Khuvsgul, Uvs, Zavkhan, Gobi-Altai, Khovd and Bayan-Ulgii provinces. The mayerial includes warm blankets, boots, recreational kits, hand sanitizers, soap as well as hygienic items for adolescent girls. The current shipment also includes a contribution from the children at the International School of Ulaanbaatar, where the 4^th graders mobilized students to show their solidarity with the affected children.

Aero Mongolia has agreed to reach the supplies at a reduced cost to remote Khovd aimag. A handover ceremony took place at Chingis Khaan Airport on February 27, attended by Ms. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative, Yo. Otgonbayar, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Ms. S. Onon, Director   of   Department  of   International Organizations,   Ministry of  Foreign  Affairs  and  Trade, Ms. M. Togtokhnyam, Director of National Authority for Children, government officials and representatives from Khovd aimag.

UNICEF has already provided more than USD45,000 to fix the overstretched and broken heating systems in the most desperate 18 educational institutions. with over 17,000 children.