Mongolia is a young country. Half the population of Mongolia are under the age of 19 years, with about 20% in the adolescent age group (10-19 years). With a breakdown of traditional norms and nomadic way of life, increasing mobility, improved purchasing power for some and in the context of uptake of some risk practices, it is important to consider ways to promote the health of young people. Tobacco and alcohol use are of increasing concern in Mongolia, as are sexual and reproductive health (SRH), STIs and the potential spread of HIV which is currently at low prevalence.
Adolescents are explicitly recognised as an important population subset within many Mongolian health policy and strategy documents. Mongolia is seen as a country with achievements in some domains of adolescent health. It was among the first to set up models of Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) with support from WHO, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and others, and about 18 such facilities operate. National standards were developed in 2001
