Newborn screening and biobanking for preventable genetic disorders in Mongolia: A developing country perspective

Newborn screening (NBS) is an important public health program, yet its implementation is highly uneven globally, with developing countries like Mongolia facing significant resource and infrastructure limitations that hinder early detection of preventable genetic disorders. Meanwhile, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, leveraged through biobanking, offers a powerful platform for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine, though its advanced applications are primarily concentrated in wealthier nations. We review the current status of NBS in Mongolia and argue for linking an expanded NBS program to an iPSC biobank. This link would improve diagnosis, create a foundation for Mongolian precision medicine, and strengthen local research capacity. We recognize the practical and ethical hurdles-funding, staffing, and data governance-and outline phased rollout, targeted training, and international partnerships as realistic next steps. Taken together, this approach could prevent avoidable disability in Mongolia while gradually building homegrown capability in genetic healthcare.