Fighting against alcoholism and treating tuberculosis

Location: Ulan-Bator

Situation:

A young Asian democracy, Mongolia's economy is gradually taking off but a third of its population lives below the poverty line and corruption is endemic. In a country where life has remained focused on a traditional nomadic way of life, alcoholism has become a serious problem. While today's situation is a product of national and international history, it is now out of control, with over 13.6% (22% men and 5% women, WHO study 2006) of the total population dependent upon alcohol and up to 40% practicing harmful drinking. Women and children are the first victims of alcohol-induced violence.

Activities:

Medecins du Monde's project is focused on implementing a programme of alcoholism and tuberculosis prevention and treatment amongst people living in a district of yurts (Ulan Bator shanty towns), who are excluded from access to healthcare for administrative reasons. Mongolia suffers from a lack of co-ordination and diversity with respect to therapeutic models for alcoholism, as well as structural problems for treating tuberculosis. Our programme introduced the techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interview and our medical team has worked hard to establish a patients needs based focus to inpatients treatment

A local team, made up of a doctor, nurse and social worker, has been formed. In addition, a partnership has been signed with the Ulan Bator addiction centre and training has been provided for Aimag (county) based doctors and sharing tools and materials to other structures requesting support, such as government centres.

Outlook:

In January 2006 a fifteen day training seminar was planned, to be attended by three alcohol dependency experts.
We have the following objectives for the coming years:

• Screening people living in the target yurt districts who are affected by alcoholism and tuberculosis and directing them towards suitable structures, with mobile Medecins du Monde medical teams;
• Supporting target populations in irregular situations so that they recover their right to health (working together with organisations);
• Training and awareness programmes amongst health staff and target populations;
• Lobbying of health, police and political authorities with the creation of a co-ordination platform.

“This programme represents a rare opportunity to have a direct impact on a medical issue that affects almost all families across the country and can be seen as a catalyst to other medical and social problems. The full extent of associated problems such as the impact on the economy are still unclear, but if the experience and research in other parts of the world is an indication of its potential consequences, we must act now.”
Dicken Higgins, general coordinator for our project in Mongolia

Click here to read a more detailed account of his experience on the field. 

 

Project start date: January 2006

End date: Undefinded