Conclusion of Arkhangai Hospital Water Filter Project – Mongolia

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Tim Jenkins.

To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was designed to install two water filters in critical locations at the hospital. In actuality, three filters were installed, with replacement parts available.

Tim reports:

The filters were purchased from Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar at half the estimated cost. A host country national was able to work out a deal so the filters were purchased at cost. With the savings we were able to purchase 2 additional filters.

Three of the filters have been placed at the Arkhangai Children’s Hospital, Central Hospital, and the Provincial Health Department. The fourth filter was damaged during shipping, but the filter has been saved in case any parts are needed in the future.

I have personally monitored each filter. The filters are being used regularly and have been properly maintained. The Central Hospital has now purchased filters on their own, as well.

We had a difficult time getting the training off the ground. The Central Hospital tried to take their filter before they had received any sort of instruction. But after 2 months of organizing we were finally able to place the filters at each location. The World Health Organization also sent out some materials to be used during the training.

The most unexpected outcome was the Children’s Hospital’s interest in clean water and sanitation. During the training we spoke in-depth on the importance of clean and sanitary water. Following the training a doctor from the Children’s Hospital and I went to 6 kindergartens to teach them about sanitation. We worked with approximately 1,500 students, ages 3-6.

I have no doubt that the training directly influenced the doctor to conduct the sanitation lessons.