Ulaanbaatar, May 22, 2024 /MONTSAME/. The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has outlined a detailed plan to distribute USD 1.5 million in humanitarian aid to Mongolian herders affected by Mongolia's severe dzud. This announcement was made on May 22, 2024, by Tapan Mishra, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia.

The Coordinator stated that the humanitarian team in Mongolia has called for support to assist herders in combating the harsh dzud conditions. Accordingly, the UN approved the funding and the aid is being distributed through three United Nations agencies to herder households and citizens across provinces. These include:

USD 700,000 from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),

USD 350,000 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),

USD 500,000 from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

This assistance will benefit over 12,000 people in targeted groups, including women, children, and individuals with developmental issues from herder households in rural areas most affected by the severe dzud.

The UNFPA will distribute the basic hygiene set, the "Dignity Kit," to a total of 4,000 women affected by the severe dzud. This includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls living in dormitories.

Financial assistance, food and essential goods vouchers, psychological counseling, as well as educational and nutritional support will be provided to the most affected 72 soums in 9 aimags. For instance, cash transfers amounting to MNT 660,000 per household are being made to restore the livelihoods of 2,000 herder households through the State Bank of Mongolia.

The FAO is distributing 2 million doses of vaccines aimed at overcoming dzud and improving livestock health. Specifically, vaccines are being procured and supplied to prevent and mitigate outbreaks of sheep pox. This information was conveyed by Mongolia's National Emergency Management Agency and the General Authority for Veterinary Services, as reported by Vinod Ahuja, FAO's Resident Representative in Mongolia.

Tapan Mishra stated that overall, the UN's humanitarian team in Mongolia determined that humanitarian aid is essential for 200,000 people. Consequently, material and cash assistance are being provided to 77,000 of the most vulnerable individuals

UN Resident Coordinator also highlighted that in addition to providing immediate humanitarian aid, the UN aims to strengthen disaster risk prevention in Mongolia. Ensuring no one is left behind in development, and promoting climate-resilient and sustainable development are key goals. The UN continues to support Mongolia's long-term development program reflecting these objectives, Mr. Mishra affirmed.