Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar and Minister of Health J.Chinburen visited the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) to assess the worsening measles outbreak and mobilize a nationwide immunization campaign ahead of the Naadam Holiday and the new school year.
According to the NCCD, as of June 21, Mongolia has recorded 8,862 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 683 patients currently hospitalized and over 1,200 recovering at home. The number of recovered patients stands at 6,922, while seven children have died. Alarmingly, more than 63,000 children are reportedly in intensive care monitoring due to complications from the disease.
Health Minister J.Chinburen reported that 71.5 percent of the cases are unvaccinated children, highlighting a critical gap in immunization coverage. Currently, about 280,000 children nationwide remain unvaccinated, putting them at high risk, especially as the Naadam festival and seasonal travel approach.
The prime minister emphasized that although schools are closed, infections continue to rise. At the NCCD’s clinics, daily patient visits have surged from around 100 to over 500, mostly children. He stressed that immediate action must be taken to boost national vaccination rates, which currently stand at only 26 percent for children aged zero to 15 receiving booster shots.
"The government's top priority is to protect human development and ensure the health and safety of every citizen," G.Zandanshatar stated. He called for an intensified nationwide immunization effort before schools and kindergartens reopen and urged the public to take preventive measures during the Naadam holidays to avoid further transmission.
The premier also acknowledged concerns raised by NCCD officials, including shortages in vaccines, medical supplies, diagnostic tools, and the heavy workload facing frontline healthcare workers. These issues, he assured, would be addressed at the upcoming cabinet meeting.
G.Zandanshatar pointed out that the resurgence of measles among children aged 10–14 reflects a policy failure, particularly poor-quality vaccinations administered between 2010 and 2015. He stressed the urgent need to restore public trust in vaccines, which has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic due to misinformation and hesitancy. He called for the development of a robust short-, medium-, and long-term immunization strategy focused on quality and accountability. "Vaccines are scientifically proven and effective," he said. "Now is the time to act not only to stop this outbreak but to protect the future of our children", said the premier.
"The current measles outbreak is spreading rapidly," Minister J.Chinburen said. "Although schools and kindergartens are closed, the upcoming holiday season presents a heightened risk of further transmission. While Bayan-Ulgii Province has not yet reported confirmed cases, two suspected cases have emerged, indicating that measles is now present in nearly every region."
He emphasized that the majority of infections are occurring among young children, and the fatalities include children who were too young to receive vaccinations. Recalling the 2015–2016 outbreak that claimed over 130 children's lives, Minister J.Chinburen also issued a clear warning to vaccine-hesitant parents: "Vaccination is essential not only to protect your child but also to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on the health system. Vaccines are scientifically proven and effective."
Lastly, Minister J.Chinburen confirmed that plans are underway to allocate emergency funds from the government’s reserve budget to support this effort.
As of today, data from hospitals in Ulaanbaatar shows that 7.6 percent of patients present with mild symptoms, 86.6 percent have moderate symptoms, 5.3 percent are in serious condition, and two patients are classified as critical. In terms of geographic distribution, 88.6 percent of measles cases are concentrated in Ulaanbaatar. The virus has now been reported in 20 provinces, with the highest incidence rates recorded in Umnugovi and Dundgovi provinces.
