ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia -- Mongolia's extreme winter conditions are preventing expectant mothers from reaching health facilities, putting their lives at risk. In response, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is supporting mobile medical teams that have brought life-saving care to women in isolated districts in 12 provinces.

Last week, a team in Khovd Province rescued a herder who had gone into labour in her tent. Heavy snow blocked the way to the nearest hospital, some 30 kilometres away. "It took us 10 hours to bring her to the district centre," said Dr. Davaabal, chief gynaecologist at the Khovd Health Department. "Luckily, there were no complications and the woman gave birth to a healthy child."