Every year, from February 14 to 28, Mongolia observes the “15-Day Campaign for Alcohol Abuse Prevention”, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the devastating impact of excessive alcohol consumption. With alcohol-related illnesses and accidents claiming three million lives globally each year, the campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address this growing public health crisis.

However, Mongolia faces an even more alarming reality. The country ranks second in the world for alcohol-related mortality, highlighting the severity of the issue. According to the National Center for Public Health (NCPH), the average Mongolian over the age of 15 consumes a staggering 21.9 liters of pure alcohol per year—far exceeding the global average of 16.38 liters. This widespread consumption has led to a 4.44 percent alcohol dependency rate among the population, while a concerning 70.6 percent of adolescents have reported consuming alcohol at least once.

These stark figures underscore the critical need for increased public education on the health risks, social consequences, and long-term effects of alcohol abuse. NCPH is calling on all citizens to make more informed choices, prioritize their well-being, and take an active role in creating a healthier, more responsible society.