Mongolia Allocates over MNT 133 Billion for Improved Child Nutrition www.unicef.org
UNICEF Mongolia has been collaborating to support the Government of Mongolia to enhance child-focused budget planning and social service delivery for children and households. This commitment includes a substantial increase in funding to address pressing issues related to child health, nutrition and safety.
The Ministry of Finance has allocated an additional 133.5 billion MNT in the 2025 state budget to improve nutrition programs at schools nationwide. This funding increase follows cost analyses of school and dormitory meal standards conducted under the UNICEF-EU co-funded Public Finance Facility-Phase II project. These analyses mark a significant milestone in tackling critical challenges affecting Mongolia’s children.
Recent surveys and studies underscore the urgent need for improved access to safe drinking water and better nutrition for children:
Safe Water Accessibility: Only 30.6% of Mongolia’s population has access to safe drinking water, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2023). In rural areas, merely 48% of schools provide purified drinking water, as reported in the School Meal and Dormitory Cost Analysis Report (2024).
Unhealthy Dietary Patterns: A 2023 Child Landscape Analysis revealed troubling trends in children’s eating habits:
26% of school-age children consume fast food three or more times per week.
34% of children drink more than one carbonated beverage daily.
81% consume fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended.
These findings highlight the critical role schools play in providing a supportive environment for safe drinking water and balanced nutrition to ensure children’s healthy development and protection.
Public Finance Facility Project-Phase II
To support data-driven policymaking, UNICEF Mongolia, in collaboration with the European Union, continues to implement the Public Finance Facility Project-Phase II. This initiative works closely with the Ministry of Finance and other sector ministries to conduct in-depth analyses of budget allocation and spending. The goal is to strengthen systems and services essential for children’s welfare.
By addressing the underlying issues of water accessibility and nutrition, Mongolia is taking a significant step toward improving the health and safety of its younger generation. UNICEF Mongolia remains committed to supporting these efforts through research, collaboration, and advocacy for effective resource allocation.
Published Date:2025-01-24