STORY: China-funded medical center in Mongolia illuminates future for children with disabilities
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 31, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:24
LOCATION: Ulan Bator
CATEGORY: POLITICS/HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the fifth anniversary of the medical center
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SHEN MINJUAN, Chinese ambassador to Mongolia
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Mongolian): LUVSANTSEREN ENKH-AMGALAN, Mongolian minister of family, labor, and social protection

STORYLINE:

A medical center in Mongolia, built with assistance from China, is enhancing the development and well-being of children with disabilities while providing crucial support for their families.
   
The center, located in Bayangol District of Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, celebrated its fifth anniversary on Thursday. The comprehensive facility is equipped with 250 beds and advanced medical devices, enabling it to treat 250 outpatients daily.
   
Since its opening, about 42,000 children with disabilities from all 21 provinces of Mongolia and nine districts of the capital have received treatment and services at the center through repeated visits.
   
The China-aided rehabilitation center for disabled children is an important livelihood project implemented by both sides under the strategic guidance of high-level leaders of the two countries, based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits under the Belt and Road Initiative, said Shen Minjuan, Chinese ambassador to Mongolia.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SHEN MINJUAN, Chinese ambassador to Mongolia
"Children are the future of a country and the hope of a nation. We cannot let any child fall behind. The Chinese government attaches great importance to children's development and actively promotes the healthy growth of children around the world. Since the opening of the rehabilitation center for disabled children, the Chinese embassy has visited the children here every year."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Mongolian): LUVSANTSEREN ENKH-AMGALAN, Mongolian minister of family, labor, and social protection
"I am very happy to participate in the fifth anniversary of this center, which plays a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families, providing essential treatments and services with great compassion."

Mongolia has more than 120,000 people with disabilities in a population of 3.5 million, with over 10 percent being children, including 3,000 who have severe disabilities, according to the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Protection.
   
The medical center plays a crucial role in the early identification and diagnosis of children with disabilities, as well as in providing services to support their development as soon as possible, said the ministry.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ulan Bator.
(XHTV)