Interesting web site

[nin@xxxxxx]

                              MYANMAR (BURMA)
                         The Internet Travel Guide
                              Peter M. Geiser
"GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION"
1.1 GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1.4 POLITICS

The Union of Myanmar (Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw) is in effect under
the dictatorship of SLORC (State Law and Order Restauration Council.) This
military junta assumed power on 18 September 1988 contrary to the will of
the people. In 1990 elections were held by SLORC. The democratic movement
won 457 of 490 seats, but SLORC refused to let them govern.

Executive branch

Chief of state, head of government and Chairman of SLORC General Than Shwe
(since 23 April 1992).

Legislative branch

In theory the People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw), last held 27 May 1990,
but they never assemble. It effectively was dissolved after the SLORC coup
of 1988.

Judical branch

None! The Council of People's Justices was abolished after the SLORC coup
of 1988.

Political parties and leaders

USDA  (Union Solidarity and Development Association), leader na

NUP   (National Unity Party, pro regime), leader Tha Kyaw

NLD   (National League for Democracy), leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This
       party won in the elections of 1990 a stunning victory of 457 out of
       490 seats! Unfortunately, SLORC has refused to transfer power to
       the elected party.

NCGUB (National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma), leader
       Sein Win (who is elected prime minister, but not recognised by the
       military government.) The group, consisting of individuals that
       have been legitimately elected to Parliament, had to flee to a
       border area where they formed a parallel government in Dec 1990.

KIA   (Kachin Independence Army)

UWSA  (United Wa State Army)

KNU   (Karen National Union)

MTA   (Mong Tai Army)

ABSDF (All Burma Student Democratic Front)


Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, founder and leader of the National League for
Democracy, was put under house arrest. In 1991, she won the Nobel Peace
price. On 10 July 1995 she was finally released from house arrest, but
SLORC still refuses to relinquish power.

<A HREF="myanmar.htm#contents">Back to contents</A><P><HR>

<H3><A NAME="HEALTH">1.14 HEALTH</A></H3>

Bring a lot of Imodium A-D with you. You are bound to get diarrhea.

The main threats in Myanmar are: Malaria, TB, tetanus, rabies, typhoid,
cholera, hepatitis and many other tropical diseases. There is nowadays
also the threat of AIDS, with as many as 400000 infected people, with
the number rising fast.

<P>

Don't drink water from the tap, it may be lethal. And be careful with
bottled water, since it is often taken directly from the tap. Check the
closing of the bottle.

<P>

There is only one doctor for every 12500 people.

<p>

<>Malaria<>

Malaria (from French 'mal air', bad air) is an infection of the blood
caused by the bite of mosquitoes (Anopheles). The decay of the red blood
cells causes fever and eventually a lack of oxygen which can, in case of a
malaria cerebral, cause brain damage. Depending on the type of malaria
these fever shocks appear every three (malaria tertiana) or four (malaria
quartana) days. Death rate of malaria is less than 1%.<BR>
There have been many discussions on how to best deal with it and even
the doctors have not yet agreed on a single opinion.<BR>
There are two possibilities for prohylaxis. For a short stay (less than
one month) in a malaria endangered region, prophylaxis with Lariam, as
described by doctors, is recommended. This gives nearly 100% protection.
For longer trips, Lariam should not be used, since there are too many side
effects (such as liver problems). If you want to use a prophylactic at
all, use one on Chloroquin (several different brands) basis. Although
protection is only about 50 - 70%, it still reduces the effects of an
actual infection.

The most important thing about malaria is to recognize it as such. Every
little health center with a microscope can make a reliable diagnose. If
you feel sick, have a check done. In case of a negative result, and you
keep feeling sick, then have the check re-done every three days. Use your
own, clean blood-sampling needles.

A special danger causes a malaria that develops at the same time as a flue
or a pneumonia, since it is often recognized too late.
Carry a treatment package with you (e.g. Lariam or Halfon) and use it
according to the instructions on the package slip once malaria has been
diagnosed. Do visit a doctor! Local treatments (mainly Cloroquine) are
made for the local population which is semi-immunized. These treatments
are often too weak for Western people. Somebody taking Lariam treatment
should always be watched by another person, because of the side-effects
(especially mental problems, depressions, nightmares, and higher
photo-sensitivity of the skin. There is even a small danger of suicide!)

However, the most effective way to prevent malaria are mosquito repellent
(possibly with at least 20% DEET, or citronella.) Since mosquitoes are
only active after sundown and before sunset, make sure you wear clothes
that cover the skin and use a good mosquito net.

Malaria can break out up to three month after leaving the endangered
region. Take this into account if you become sick within this time and
have a malaria test made.

<"http://www-students.unisg.ch/~pgeiser/itg.htm";><>The Internet Travel
Guide<>

Copyright &copy; 1995, 1996, 1997>Peter M. Geiser</A>
"e-mail:Peter.Geiser@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"