Strengthening access to oncology medicines in Mongolia

This week, the UICC-led ATOM Coalition hosted a three-day workshop (26–28 November 2024) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The objective is to advance access to quality-assured cancer medicines, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the UICC-led ATOM Coalition.

The workshop builds on a comprehensive situational analysis conducted in Mongolia, assessing key areas such as regulatory frameworks, supply chain management, diagnostic infrastructure, and clinical use of medicines. Local experts and international partners are coming together to validate findings, address critical gaps, and identify actionable solutions to improve access to oncology treatments.

Before the workshop, the ATOM Coalition team met with the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament, Dr T. Munkhsaikhan, to discuss the country’s cancer care priorities. Other key stakeholders attending the event include:

• Dr Dan Milner, Executive Director, ATOM Coalition
• Representatives from the Max Foundation
• Dr Tsetsegsaikhan B., Founder & CEO of UICC member, National Cancer Council of Mongolia
• Senior leaders from the Ministry of Health, National Cancer Center, and the State First Hospital

This workshop will culminate in a detailed report that identifies gaps and outlines priority actions, forming the foundation for coordinated national-level projects and capacity-strengthening efforts led by the ATOM Coalition and its partners.