Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Monday announced that the country was launching a national movement against alcoholism for national security and the well-being of Mongolian families.

“One of the main reasons for our sufferings is alcoholism. Alcoholism never brings good. Instead, it brings misery, loss, and sorrow,’’ Mr Khurelsukh said.

Mr Khurelsukh said this during a national conference called “Men’s Participation and Leadership in Social Development.’’

He noted that the average life expectancy of men in Mongolia is now almost 10 years lower than that of women.

High consumption of tobacco and alcohol by men results in lung and liver cancers and cardiovascular problems, etc.

It is said to be the main reason Mongolian men have a shorter lifespan than women on average.

This is extremely irresponsible and affects men’s quality of life and the security of families and nations, the president said.

“Therefore, starting from today, we are launching the ‘Healthy Mongolians’ national movement against alcoholism for our national security and the well-being of Mongolian families,’’ he further explained.

He urged Mongolians to unite against alcoholism and abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

Divorce is increasing year by year in Mongolia, and as of 2020, there were more than 86,500 single parents in Mongolia, the majority of whom were single mothers.

One of the main causes of divorce and domestic violence in the country is alcoholism.

(Xinhua/NAN)