The Partnership Agreement sets targets for poverty reduction and establishes mechanisms to monitor the progress made. In addition to halving the proportion of people living below the poverty, the Agreement aims at achieving universal primary education and halving the mortality rates for infants and children under five years, all by 2005. Universal access to family planning services is targeted for achievement by 2015. ADB plans to help the Government achieve these targets with resources from its concessionary lending window, the Asian Development Fund. Continued monitoring and analysis of the poverty situation will be a key component of the ADB's assistance.
Natural disasters are often a cause of families falling into poverty.
The ADB has monitored the reports of the very severe winter conditions in Mongolia this year, and has held discussions with the Government on possible assistance. The Government of Mongolia has shown decisive action in beginning a comprehensive fight against poverty, and ADB wishes to remain as a dedicated partner for the Government in this fight. Other multilateral and bilateral assistance agencies have also joined in this fight against poverty.