Provide lifesaving healthcare for Burmese refugees

Since July 2025, Watsi has supported 46 life-changing health care for Burmese patients, including surgeries for emergency procedures. Earlier this year, Watsi launched an Emergency Surgery Program, where selected medical partners can support more urgent care. As access to healthcare remains to be an enormous challenge for Burmese who are impacted by conflict in the region, our partner on the ground helps ensure that care is available for those who need it immediately. Aung* and Day* are two children who received urgent care with support from donors all over the world.

*Names have been changed for privacy

Aung* is a 10-year-old boy from Burma, who currently lives with his family in a refugee village in Thailand. While playing with his friends, Aung fell and broke his arm. He was in pain and immediately needed surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. Aung’s mother was grateful for the support they received, “Thank you for helping my son. Without your support, I would have to borrow money for his treatment.” Aung is recovering well and is able to go back to school and be with his friends again. 

Day* is a 17-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her extended family in an internally displaced persons camp. She helps her mother weave traditional clothes to sell. She also enjoys foraging for vegetables in the forest. Day had a fever, accompanied by a severe stomachache and vomiting. She was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed a life-saving emergency appendectomy. Day’s mother shared, “...My family struggles to afford basic needs, especially food and rice…Without your help, my daughter could not receive treatment so quickly.” After a full recovery, Day would be able to perform her daily tasks and play with her niece again.

Since January 2025, Watsi has supported 52 life-changing surgical care for Burmese patients. Access to healthcare remains to be an enormous challenge for Burmese refugees, displaced persons, and those impacted by conflict in the region. Our partner on the ground works tirelessly to ensure that help is available to those who need urgent critical care. With the devastating earthquake that recently hit the region, we have seen an increased need for urgent medical care. Every intervention Watsi supports does not only impact the patient, but also the lives of their families and the communities where they live. Here are a few stories of refugees who received care with the support from donors all over the world. With your support, we can help more Burmese refugees in need. 

*Names have been changed for privacy

Myint* is a 12-year-old boy from Burma who lives in Thailand with his mother and four older siblings. In August 2024, he stopped going to school because of a tumor he had on his forehead. This tumor affects his memory and coordination. He gets tired easily and gets overwhelmed very quickly, causing him to vomit and lose consciousness. With the help of Watsi donors from all over the world, Myint had a successful surgery. He is looking forward to going to school and dreams of becoming an artist. 

Par* is a two-year-old boy from Burma living with his parents in Tak Province, Thailand. His family moved to Thailand after their home was destroyed during an armed conflict in Burma. For about a year, Par was experiencing swelling and pain in his lower abdominal region, vomiting, and fatigue. He was diagnosed with a hernia and requires surgery that is expected to relieve him of pain, and allow him to play with his friends comfortably. 

Cho* is a nine-year-old girl who lives in Thailand with her mother, aunt, uncle, older sister, brother-in-law, and two-month-old nephew.  Her family recently left Burma due to the ongoing conflict between ethnic revolutionary groups and the Burmese Army. In March, Cho got into an accident and fractured her leg.  She urgently needed surgery to help heal her fracture and restore her ability to walk again.