MSF first worked in Mongolia in 1998 on an HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention programme. In 2001, this was handed over to the government and other non-governmental organisations.

After nine years out of the country, we returned in 2010 to help remote communities prepare for an upcoming dzud, a mass loss of livestock – the primary source of food and income for people – following harsh summer and winter seasons. We helped the preparation by distributing first aid kits, improving health facility infrastructure and providing a back-up supply of essential drugs.