WHO donates lab equipment to strengthen Mongolia's zoonotic disease response

ULAN BATOR, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday donated laboratory equipment to Mongolia to support the country's efforts to strengthen the prevention, detection and response to zoonotic diseases.

Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, officially handed over 64 units of eight types of laboratory equipment to the National Center for Zoonotic Diseases, according to the WHO Mongolia.

The donation was made possible through funding from the Pandemic Fund under the project "Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response through One Health."

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. They remain a significant public health concern in Mongolia, where herding communities often live in close contact with livestock and wildlife across vast rural areas.

According to the WHO, more than 30 of the approximately 200 zoonotic diseases identified worldwide have been reported in Mongolia. The World Organization for Animal Health classifies the Asian country as high-risk for zoonotic diseases. Illnesses such as brucellosis, anthrax, bubonic plague, and mad cow disease continue to affect communities and rural livelihoods, underscoring the importance of early detection and rapid diagnosis.

The newly delivered equipment is expected to improve laboratory capacity for the rapid detection of priority pathogens, particularly in high-risk areas, helping strengthen Mongolia's ability to prevent and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks. Enditem