Region: Central Asia, Mongolia
Author: Sas Carey, NOMADICARE
Consortium Member: Virtual Foundation Director (ECOLOGIA)
Status: Completed - Final Report
Budget: $16147
Collected: $16147
Needs: $0
Result: To create a strategic plan for Dukha health care to be shared with local and national health workers in Mongolia, continue to create a Dukha Health Data Base, provide vitamins and research natural sustainable sources of vitamins.
Donors: The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, New York [May 2007]; The Mongolian American Cultural Association [June 2007]; numerous individual donors
Comment: In 2006, the project interviewed 75% of the Dukha families about their health needs. In 2007, the project finished the data base and has begun to advocate with the local and national health workers for a plan for adequate care. The project also supplied a solar panel, storage battery and solar lamp to the local elementary school, in addition to medical supplies to the Dukhas.
Goal
To create a strategic plan for Dukha health care to be shared with local and national health workers in Mongolia, continue to create a Dukha Health Data Base, provide vitamins and research natural sustainable sources of vitamins.
Need:
The Dukha's way of life and general health is under threat for several reasons, including:
In 2006, the project interviewed 75% of the Dukha families about their health needs. In 2007, the hope is to finish the data base and advocate with the local and national health workers for a plan for adequate care. The project will also supply solar panel, storage battery, solar refrigerator and solar lamp to the local hospital in addition to medical supplies to the Dukhas.
In October 2003, Sas Carey of the Mongolian Medicine Project traveled to Northern Mongolia to assess the health care of the reindeer herding peoples (Dukha). Her preliminary findings indicated a deficiency of Vitamins C and A, which have caused scurvy (bleeding gums and teeth loss even of young children) and blindness. In August 2004, she returned, and delivered more than a year's supply of multivitamins for all children, and vitamin C for all adults.
Implementation
First, the Mongolian Medicine Project purchases and takes the vitamins to the Dukha people, explains what they are and how they work, and encourages the Dukha to incorporate a “one a day” vitamin into their daily routine. In Summer 2007, we will follow up, also attempting to locate natural, local sources for the needed vitamins, especially Vitamins C and A.
Expected Results:
A cohesive plan for the Dukhas' health care which can be used by local, national and international health care givers;
Diminished eye, teeth and other health problems connected to vitamin deficiency;
Clear indications of the next steps in helping the Dukha people to achieve better health.
Time Frame: Summer 2007
Budget
| Airfare to Mongolia | $2050 |
| Chinese visa | $170 |
| Medical insurance | $120 |
| Rent and board, Ulaanbaatar (40 days @ $15) | $600 |
| Ulaanbaatar to Dukhas (travel by jeep, horse, plane) | $1000 |
| Food and supplies for team (one month) | $1500 |
| Interpreter; guides | $1000 |
| Vitamins, first aid kits, medicines, supplies for families | $1500 |
| Hospital supplies, solar lamp, solar refrigerator, small equipment | $1200 |
| Sas Carey $100 per diem, 26 days taiga, 14 days Ulaanbaatar | $4000 |
| Camerama and cameraman for documentation of health | $1200 |
| Project development and administration | $1000 |
| Subtotal | $15340 |
| VF administrative fee | $807 |
| Requested for project | $16147 |