Hygiene standards in Ger districts are very low due to the lack of running water and pollution. During winter, it is not uncommon for residents to go days without taking a full bath. Unemployment and poverty are rampant in these districts, as are the feelings of hopelessness amongst its population.

Dorjjugder, a 58 year old former Mongolian army corporal, who now makes his living by picking recyclables such as plastics and scrap iron, is typical of those who struggle in their attempts to support their families. He says “life is tough here, we all feel we are on our own and it seems that nobody cares about us. We work all day and can only afford to buy some flour and meat".

Chagtsal, Dorjjugder’s wife recounts that since the privatization of the state factory, in which she worked, she had become unemployed. However, one of the most difficult problems since the extensive changes has been not being able to access or afford adequate medical care. She said they tried not to get sick, adding that this was, of course, impossible.

There are household clinics in the Ger districts, designed to deliver primary medical care to local residents, but these are over stretched and can barely meet the needs of such a large and impoverished population.

Various infectious diseases such as Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the rise in Ger districts due to pollution, low hygiene standards, lack of proper education and poverty. Malnutrition is also a growing concern – an estimated 30% of children aged under five are small for their age and 10% are underweight.

On October 12, 2007 AMURT Mongolia opened a health centre to address the vast range of medical and health needs in the Ger District. The centre will provide:

• preventive health care i.e. counseling, education and awareness activities;
• promotion of healthy lifestyle;
• primary and secondary health services;
• regular medical and relief missions to hard to reach families and bedridden patients.

The centre will also offer traditional Mongolian medicines, acupuncture, massage therapy and yogic treatments. The use of alternative medicine is growing in Mongolia, especially amongst the ever-increasing wealthier members of society. This will have the added bonus of helping to make the clinic more self sufficient.