Improve Health for Mothers and Babies in Myanmar

Community workers in the Women’s Health programme have been directing their attention to supporting those recently displaced as displacement continues in Karen state. In the last month thousands of people have been forced to flee the area around the new town of Law Law Kay in Myawaddy district of Karen state. It is estimated that by the end of December up to 10,000 people had been displaced.

Community workers have been able to distribute material assistance to 600 families. This includes tarpaulins for shelter, mats, blankets and hygiene packs with some medicines.

Covid is widespread in parts of Karen state but symptoms are generally mild with a few deaths reported. The situation in the refugee camps on the Thai border is a little better and all residents have been offered the vaccination for Covid. Up to 80% of adults are fully vaccinated in some camps.

The camps are still in lock-down so supplies are limited but basic programmes can continue.

The Thai authorities are taking great care and providing vaccination to anyone, regardless of whether they have ID documents. They have also provided vaccinations to some Myanmar residents in Karen state but access is challenging and there is widespread mistrust of the vaccination due to the provision of low quality drugs and vaccinations in Myanmar generally.

We continue to hear reports of mothers sharing what they learnt through previous health trainings as they realise how much healthier their children are now they understand how to care for them better. This highlights the longer term impact of the funding.

We thank you for your continued support.