Mongolia is currently experiencing severe winter conditions, known as Dzud. This slow-onset disaster is unique to Mongolia and results from summer droughts followed by heavy snowfalls and extreme cold, leading to insufficient grazing pastures and consequently underfed animals, resulting in increased livestock mortality. The harsh weather, characterized by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, has affected over 150,500 people, including 62,500 children. This is the second year in a row that the country has faced these severe conditions.
The Dzud is leading to roadblocks, preventing children from accessing vital health, nutrition, education, and protective services. Herder families, who are most directly impacted by the Dzud, often have to leave children in the care of relatives or at boarding schools, increasing protection risks and causing psychological stress. There are over 2,200 school age children who could miss school in only 5 soums that UNICEF team visited.
UNICEF is on the ground, working with the government and partners to support children and families. Thus far this winter, UNICEF has provided immediate assistance to over 9,000 children; helped clear snow-blocked roads; provided 120 Interagency Emergency Health Kits with basic medicines, medical devices, and supplies; distributed 455 hygiene kits to households with children and pregnant and lactating women; learning materials to 100 herder households with school aged children; and worked with the government to advocate for affected families to receive emergency cash payments through existing cash transfer mechanisms.
UNICEF Mongolia is urgently requesting $500,000 to accelerate support and meet the most time-sensitive needs. With your help, UNICEF can reach children with critical support throughout the Dzud.
