Research Sites
Earlier, I mentioned an upcoming change in research sites. This change was motivated by a desire to make the recommendations resulting from this research applicable to bagiin emch from different regions. The original selection of Bayanhongor and Uvurhangai was problematic because of their mutual proximity. Given the time-intensive nature of the research methods I am using, three was the practical limit of aimags that I could include in this study. In addition to seeking aimags from different regions, I wanted to select aimags from both HSDP-2 (Health Sector Development Program-2 - ends this year but recently provided PDAs to bagiin emch) and HSDP-3 (~2008-2012). HSDP-2 is in 5 aimags: Zavhan, Bayanhongor, Uvurhangai, Hentii, and Dornod. HSDP-3 will be in 5 new aimags: Gov-Altai, Arkhangai, Tuv, Dundgov, and Suhbaatar. Finally, based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Health, I will work in places with high incidence of maternal mortality since bagiin emch are primarily concerned with maternal (and child) health. Over the most recent 5 year period, Zavhan and Suhbaatar have the highest maternal mortality rates in the country (out of 21 aimags). Bayanhongor is also high on the list at #8.
The three selected aimags are Zavhan, Bayanhongor, and Suhbaatar (see image below - Ulaanbaatar is shown in the north-center part of the country). Zavhan is considered a western aimag and is very mountainous. Although Bayanhongor is a hangai aimag, half of the sums are govi (desert). Suhbaatar is primarily tal (steppe) and is an eastern aimag. I've been to Bayanhongor and Suhbaatar before, but not Zavhan. I had lunch with the director of Zavhan's Aimag Health Department a few days ago here in Ulaanbaatar to discuss this work. As with the health departments of the other 2 aimags, they will provide support for the research. I fly to Zavhan on Tuesday morning.
Note: Under the Creative Commons license, attribution for the above image isn't necessary, but here it is anyhow. This image is a modification of this one created by Bogomolov.PL.
Wow, a flight to Zavhan? That sounds like quite an improvement over your other trips with transportation by forgon and jar yus.
Posted by:bhuv | 04 June 2007 at 06:18 AM
The director of the aimag health department in Zavhan suggested I take the plane because it's a 30 hour drive (1050km). Still, I'll be returning overland...
Posted by:Jaspal | 04 June 2007 at 02:21 PM
looking forward to hearing about your experience out there. have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Posted by:riti | 05 June 2007 at 01:40 AM
Wow, 30 hour overland journey back to UB? You are one brave (or crazy) man.
Posted by:bhuv | 05 June 2007 at 11:39 AM
Not so much by choice. I have a conference to attend in another aimag, so driving is the only way to get there and the only way to get from the conference to UB.
Posted by:Jaspal | 06 June 2007 at 10:15 AM
Dear Jaspal,
I'm a writer from The Times in London. I hope you don't mind me commenting on your blog but I'm planning a trip to Mongolia next month to write some articles for the paper. It would be great to hear about the work you're doing and maybe hear some tips for getting to some out of the way places. Drop me a line if you can. I'm sam.knight at thetimes.co.uk Thanks v. much
Posted by:Sam Knight | 08 June 2007 at 01:52 AM
Hey Jaspal - great to find you online. How are you doing? We are in India (Chennai) and enjoying it immensely....) do email us and I will send you our blog link (yes, we have resorted to blog world too..)
Posted by:Philippa | 17 June 2007 at 04:08 AM
Sam, it's always great to get comments from folks that I don't know yet. I just sent you email about your upcoming visit.
Philippa, that explains why I couldn't find you two here when I arrived in January. :-) Please say hi to Jigme. I found your blog but not your email - can you please drop me a line? (see the bottom of this page)
Posted by:Jaspal | 20 June 2007 at 04:51 PM