Improve Health for Mothers and Babies in Myanmar

The earthquake in Myanmar in March highlighted the insecurity in the country to the outside world but did not bring any new attention to the continuing displacement of communities. The quake was hardly felt in the camps and communities where the displaced are. Mothers hiding in the jungle may not even have heard about the quake since they have little access to news from the outside world. Their concern for survival and the wellbeing of their families remains their primary concern and the maternal health training sessions continued as community workers were able to access the communities.

The brave community workers have been able to reach more women to distribute baby kits and conduct training sessions. Since many of the mothers have not had the benefit of a basic education, the training sessions are special to them. Apart from learning how to care for their children better, they are also comforted by the fact that someone is taking the trouble to find them and support them. We cannot understand how special this must be when you survive from day to day without a social structure.

The mothers take great pride in being able to share their learning and this remains a strength in the Maternal Health programme. Your support shows them we care.