Ulaanbaatar
Advanced Newborn Screening Device Detecting 25–30 Metabolic Disorders Handed Over
Society
Ulaanbaatar, October 2, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has introduced, for the first time, an advanced tandem mass spectrometry device to Mongolia for early newborn screening and handed it over to the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH) of Mongolia.
Although more than 67,000 children are born in Mongolia each year, limited access to advanced diagnostic equipment puts many newborns at risk. Research indicates that over the past 30 years, around 900 children were diagnosed late and, as a result, suffered lifelong complications that could have been prevented.
Minister of Health of Mongolia Chinburen Jigjidsuren said, “Thank you very much for your valuable contribution to introducing the essential equipment and diagnostic technology needed for maternal and child health. Early diagnosis is critically important. Since 2010, our researchers and physicians in maternal and child health have been studying and advocating for this device, and have led the effort to introduce it. I also express my gratitude to you. I would like to underline my confidence that from today, many Mongolian children will no longer face unidentified metabolic disorders leading to developmental delays and severe complications, or end up in intensive care without a clear diagnosis.”
This technology, known as tandem mass spectrometry, requires only a single drop of blood from a newborn and can detect 25–30 types of metabolic disorders with high accuracy. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can prevent future developmental challenges and even save lives.
The MNT 1.7 billion required to purchase the equipment was raised at a fundraising gala held on September 12, 2025, at the initiative of UNICEF Health and Development Ambassador Tselmuun Nyamtaishir. Thanks to donations from 17 companies, the device was procured and brought into the country within two weeks of securing the funding.
“Introducing this diagnostic device is part of UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health services in Mongolia. It marks the beginning of a new era in newborn diagnostics. It also sets a good example that when private sector partners unite their efforts, swift action is possible and a tangible contribution can be made for the well-being of children,” said Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, UNICEF Representative to Mongolia.
