13/08/2026
The Ministry of Health, Government of Japan and WHO join hands to advance cervical cancer elimination in Mongolia
Mongolia is taking another important step towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem, with new investments to expand HPV-DNA based screening, strengthen early diagnosis and improve access to treatment for women across the country.
WHO Mongolia received approximately US$ 630 000 through a UNITAID project generously funded by the Government of Japan to support the introduction and scale-up of HPV-based cervical cancer screening and early treatment services in Mongolia. As part of this support, 20 000 HPV DNA tests and cervical cancer diagnostic and treatment equipment valued at US$ 531 720 were handed over to the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Center on 13 August 2026.
The support includes HPV-DNA test kits capable of detecting 14 high-risk HPV types, as well as equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of precancerous cervical lesions, strengthening Mongolia’s cervical cancer elimination efforts.
The investment will accelerate Mongolia’s transition to nationwide implementation of HPV-DNA based cervical cancer screening, expanding access to quality screening, diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women living in rural and remote areas, while strengthening the national capacity for service delivery and quality of care through improved monitoring, supervision and continued capacity development.
This builds on important progress already made by Mongolia. The country introduced HPV vaccination in 2024, piloted HPV DNA testing in Khan-Uul District in 2025, and in April 2026 provided national capacity-building on HPV DNA testing, colposcopy and treatment of precancerous lesions to 742 health workers from all 21 provinces and 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar.
The Government of Japan's support is an important contribution to these efforts, helping bring essential tools and services closer to women who need them. By bringing together government leadership, international partners, technical expertise and investment, Mongolia is strengthening the foundations for a coordinated national programme to eliminate cervical cancer.
Photo credit: Ministry of Health
