Public Health
Individual Documents
Sub-title:
Deadly third wave of COVID-19 is sweeping the nation
Description:
"United Nations member states should immediately form an Emergency Coalition to provide humanitarian aid and coordinate a mass-vaccination campaign in Myanmar to contain the spread of COVID-19, said Fortify Rights today. Donor governments and international agencies should ensure the localization of aid to relevant humanitarian actors and avoid legitimizing the military junta.
“COVID is killing untold numbers of people throughout the country,” said Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Fortify Rights. “The junta is responsible for this crisis, which poses serious threats to the entire region and beyond. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing must step down and return the country to civilian rule before more lives are lost.”
Since the military seized power in an attempted coup d’état on February 1, its forces have arbitrarily arrested, beat, and killed medical professionals and destroyed medical supplies and facilities, leaving Myanmar’s healthcare system in disarray as COVID-19 spreads throughout the country.
Oxygen and medical supplies in Myanmar are scarce, hospitals and medical facilities are unable to treat a rising volume of patients, and bodies of those who have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus are reportedly piling up at morgues and crematoriums.
Fortify Rights documented the looting and destruction of medical supplies and equipment by junta security forces. For instance, a medical doctor described how Myanmar Army soldiers and police destroyed medical equipment at a clinic in Mandalay on two consecutive days in March: “They destroyed the blood pressure manometer, the sphygmomanometer, some of the oxygen measurement SpO2, and some medication they threw and some they took with them,” he said. “They robbed some of the medication.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 260 attacks “on health care” in Myanmar since the coup, including attacks impacting medical facilities, patients, transport vehicles, medical personnel, and medical supplies. These attacks have severely limited COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination.
Doctors and medical professionals in Myanmar founded the anti-coup Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) on February 2, refusing to work under the military junta, making them a target of the junta and forcing many into hiding.
“The military is arresting every government service employee, especially the doctors,” an emergency physician who is now in hiding told Fortify Rights. “I did the CDM. So, they want me.”
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), junta forces have arrested more than 5,315 men, women, and children, including 66 medical personnel since February 1. Another 571 medical professionals including doctors, nurses, and medics are reportedly evading arrest warrants and are in hiding, according to AAPP
Political prisoners are also among those dying from COVID-19. On July 20, veteran politician and spokesperson for the National League for Democracy Party, Nyan Win, 79, died from the virus, according to media reports citing his lawyer. Other political prisoners in Myanmar are also reportedly showing symptoms of COVID-19, including Myanmar nationals as well as Australian economist Sean Turnell and American journalist Danny Fenster, both of whom face trumped-up charges related to the coup.
Political prisoners nationwide in Myanmar are at grave risk due to COVID-19 and other ill-treatment by the junta, and they should be released immediately, Fortify Rights said.
According to the WHO, Myanmar has 240,570 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5,567 recorded deaths from the virus as of July 20. Fortify Rights believes the actual number of new infections and deaths from the disease are much higher than reported, based on communications with medical professionals and others in Myanmar.
The Acting WHO Representative to Myanmar told Fortify Rights that COVID-19 cases might be underreported due to limited testing capabilities, adding that efforts were underway to “re-operationalize testing and surveillance activities.”
“The test-positivity rate reported is as high as 35 percent as of July 12, 2021,” the Acting WHO Representative to Myanmar told Fortify Rights. “Because the data is limited, we cannot confirm how these figures reflect the real situation, but it reflects a rapidly increasing number of infections in the country.”
A test-positivity rate of five percent is considered dangerous and “too high,” according to faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The WHO representative stressed that an effective response to the pandemic must include ensuring severe patients can “easily access COVID-19 treatment centers and hospitals.” It must also guarantee no limitation of lifesaving materials in treatment centers and hospitals and an adequate healthcare workforce capable of providing care and expert clinical management.
Due to a lack of healthcare workers, lifesaving materials, and safe access to hospitals and healthcare facilities, many COVID-19 patients in Myanmar are self-treating themselves at home.
“Although I am infected with COVID and feel some tightness of chest, [I] don’t have time to rest,” a Myanmar doctor-in-hiding and founding member of the CDM told Fortify Rights on July 19. He explained how he is treating home-based COVID patients by phone. “The situation is very bad here.”
On July 12, the junta’s Deputy Minister of Information, Major General Zaw Min Tun, admitted to placing restrictions on civilian access to much-needed oxygen supplies, telling journalists in Naypyidaw: “The reason we put these restrictions in place is, firstly, because we discovered scams on the internet. Some people are committing fraud, pretending to provide services refilling oxygen supplies, and we received complaint letters.”
Myanmar’s population exceeds 54 million. According to the junta-led Global New Light of Myanmar, an estimated 1.6 million people have been vaccinated to date.
A medical professional in Myanmar, unnamed here for security purposes, told Fortify Rights that some in the country, including himself, received a first vaccination shot before the coup. Due mainly to the junta’s ongoing attack against the people, he and others have not received a second shot, leaving them less protected from infection, to say nothing of the unvaccinated masses.
On July 20, the junta-led Global New Light of Myanmar reported that the Ministry of Health and Sports would vaccinate 50 percent of Myanmar’s population against COVID-19 this year.
On July 7, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, called for the formation of an “Emergency Coalition for the People of Myanmar” to stop what he described as the military junta’s “reign of terror” in the country. On July 14, Andrews reiterated his call for the formation of the coalition to coordinate urgent international help to address the “perfect storm” of factors fueling the COVID-19 crisis.
On July 18, the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar—comprising elected members of parliament, leaders of anti-coup protests, and ethnic nationalities—requested the U.N. Secretary-General and the international community to urgently provide “humanitarian assistance and emergency support to the people of Myanmar” as the country grapples with a deadly third wave of COVID-19.
Under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which Myanmar is a State Party, the right to health requires States to ensure the “prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and other diseases” and to ensure “medical service and medical attention in the event of sickness.” The right to health also requires that health services, facilities, and goods are adequately available and accessible on a non-discriminatory basis.
Furthermore, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights clarified on November 27, 2020, that “States have a duty of international cooperation and assistance to ensure universal equitable access to [COVID-19] vaccines wherever needed.” Under the ICESCR, “States must strengthen their international cooperation to guarantee, as soon as possible, universal and equitable access to vaccines for COVD-19 globally, including for the populations of the least developed countries.”
“The junta has thwarted all basic factors necessary for an effective response to the COVID crisis, including access to hospitals, lifesaving materials, and sufficient healthcare staff to attend to patients,” said Matthew Smith. “The world is failing the people of Myanmar, and more lives will be lost if governments do not coordinate urgently.”..."
Source/publisher:
"Fortify Rights"
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Right to Health: reports of violations in Burma, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports
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"MYANMAR:
Available figures on hospitalization and cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicate that the number of COVID-19 infections is rapidly increasing.
Between 12-18 July, a total of 32,023 cases were reported with a test positivity rate of 35.3 per cent. At least 233 deaths attributed to COVID-19 were reported during last week, with the regions of Bago, Yangon and Sagaing most heavily affected. Stay-at-home orders have been issued in over 70 townships across the country. Information on the capacity of the health system to cope with the increasing workload of severe and acute cases is limited, but available data from last year suggests that capacities will be surpassed soon if the current trend continues. As access to health facilities is extremely limited, the provision of critical health services and COVID-19 vaccination are urgent priorities. Partners are working on re-operationalizing testing and surveillance activities and establishing COVID-19 treatment centers within the constraints of available resources and capacities..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-21
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"On July 21, the Government of Japan decided to provide up to 700 oxygen concentrators, utilizing the fund for an ongoing project implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Myanmar.
Since the end of June this year, the situation of COVID-19 has been deteriorating rapidly in Myanmar with the surging number of patients and hundreds of deaths per day. Under such circumstances, there is an urgent need to immediately provide oxygen concentrators for the necessary treatment of the people of Myanmar.
Through this assistance in collaboration with UNOPS, the Government of Japan will directly support the people of Myanmar by providing health care facilities in Yangon Region with oxygen concentrators necessary for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
In addition to this, the Government of Japan will soon grant 14 ambulances to health care facilities in different areas of Myanmar that treat COVID-19 patients. These ambulances will be used for emergency transport of patients suffering from COVID-19..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-21
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Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Japan-Burma relations
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"U Nay Min, the Yangon-based rights lawyer and indefatigable democracy campaigner, has died of COVID-19 aged 75.
Few people in Myanmar will know his name, particularly not Generation Z. Yet ironically, at a similar moment of revolutionary fervor, this courageous activist seized the hour as demonstrators took to the streets against the dictatorship and at a pivotal moment in his country’s history, he changed it forever.
U Nay Min came to me like a gift from God. A cub reporter, I’d been sent to Burma — as Myanmar was then known — by BBC World Service Radio on an undercover assignment in July 1988. Tensions were at boiling point and people were too afraid to talk to a foreign reporter.
Enter U Nay Min.
With a fearlessness that was his hallmark, under the noses of the country’s ubiquitous Military Intelligence agents, he sought me out at my hotel and offered to arrange clandestine interviews with dissident student leaders.
U Nay Min went further. Having consulted the astrologers for the most auspicious date, he primed the students to tell me their revolution would start at eight minutes past eight on the eighth day of the eighth month of 1988, just weeks away.
The tapes were smuggled out in British diplomatic bags, sent to BBC headquarters in London and broadcast back on the Burmese Service. Zero hour had been announced to a people desperate for change and at the appointed minute, the 1988 revolution began.
U Nay Min was the mastermind of this seminal “big bang” moment, which resonates loudly today as the Civil Disobedience Movement again braves military repression on the streets.
Unlikely spin doctor
In a time before Twitter and Facebook, U Nay Min realized the value for Burma of getting the brutality of the military into the international headlines.
In truth and with decades of hindsight, I salute his manipulation of an inexperienced reporter for the greater good.
Beyond students, U Nay Min introduced me to a disgruntled army officer who described the human rights abuses perpetrated by the military, for example using villagers in the ethnic nationalities areas to walk in front of troops as human mine detectors.
When the people of Burma heard these stories directly from a serving officer, hatred of the army grew further and international outrage against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) also mounted.
U Nay Min was an unlikely but artful spin doctor, who understood far better than the butchers with the guns the power of the mass media to turn world opinion.
After a week I left Rangoon (now Yangon) in haste for neighboring Bangladesh on the advice of the British Embassy, who saw me as a diplomatic incident waiting to happen.
Undeterred, U Nay Min tracked me down in Dhaka and sent me news by telephone on an almost hourly basis, using the codename Eastern Star.
Journalists across the country had joined the general strike and were reporting in to him, sidestepping state control of the media. Eastern Star had become the most powerful opinion-maker in the land and used his newfound power to maximum effect.
During the twice-daily broadcasts by the BBC Burmese Service, the country came to a virtual standstill, as 44 million people hung on every word of reports that U Nay Min had fed me.
But within weeks he was arrested, given an eight-year sentence, held in solitary confinement and badly tortured. Such was his commitment to the power of truth telling, that on his release, Eastern Star called me in London to give me more information.
He was rearrested and imprisoned for another eight years.
Buddhist conviction
When I returned to Yangon in 2013 for the first time since those events, I made my peace with U Nay Min. It was hard for him. The military told him I had betrayed him to them.
He was gracious and with true Buddhist conviction confessed he must have been a bad person in a previous life.
He was at one with his past, but exasperated by the lack of political movement in the country and frustrated by the military’s decision to revoke his lawyer’s license, which thwarted his raison d’etre: protecting the vulnerable and advocating for the voiceless.
He’d devoted much of his life as a lawyer to defending Burma’s minorities, particularly the country’s Muslims, on one occasion risking his life to write a protest letter to the hated dictator, General Ne Win.
Last week, when we heard he’d contracted COVID-19, we arranged for fresh oxygen to be taken to U Nay Min’s bedside. The tank he was already using had a faulty valve and though we fixed it, the damage had been done and he passed away in the middle of the night.
My only consolation is that U Nay Min would probably have seen this as a fitting end, dying in a final act of solidarity with the most disadvantaged around him.
Rest in peace, U Nay Min. Yours was a life of sacrifice, lived for others. May your foresight, courage and commitment never be forgotten, particularly in Myanmar, a country whose fate you shaped and where your legacy lives on in Generation Z.
Eastern Star may have been extinguished, but your light still shines and always will.
Chris Gunness is Director of the London-based Myanmar Accountability Project, which fights cases in national courts for the victims of human rights abuses committed by Myanmar security forces.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-19
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory, Political History, Freedom of Movement, violations of in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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"For a week, 21-year-old student Phoe Thar has been out by dawn to gather oxygen cylinders from the homes of coronavirus sufferers in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.
He and fellow volunteers line the tanks up outside charities for filling and returning, trying to save lives in a country whose health system has largely collapsed since a Feb. 1 coup and which now faces its worst surge of COVID-19 infections.
Funded by donors on social media, Phoe Thar and his team are part of a growing grassroots effort that bypasses the authorities and echoes the way Myanmar's people responded to crises during previous decades of army rule.
"Since the number of people who need oxygen tanks is massive, it's a huge challenge for us," Phoe Thar told Reuters by phone from Mandalay.
Health ministry figures showed deaths from COVID-19 stood at 231 on Sunday from a record 233 on Saturday, but medics and funeral services say the real toll is much higher, and crematoriums are overloaded.
The total official death toll has risen 50% already this month to 5,000 with the spread of the Delta variant that has also surged elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Reuters was unable to reach the health ministry or a junta spokesman for comment on the outbreak and public response.
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appealed for volunteers and for national cooperation at a meeting on the coronavirus emergency in comments broadcast on state television on Sunday.
"Some people do not dare to volunteer because of intimidation. Some people want to join but they have different reasons and difficulties," he said. "As I said before, I welcome them. Cooperation is required."
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said producing more oxygen was a priority. The junta's critics say lives have been lost because of restrictions it has imposed on some private oxygen suppliers in the name of stopping hoarding.
A health system that was already among the region's weakest foundered after the coup as many health workers joined a Civil Disobdedience Movement to oppose the junta. COVID-19 vaccination, testing and prevention measures all stalled.
'THE HOSPITALS CAN'T DO ANYTHING'
One underground doctor who recently volunteered help on social media said he was inundated with hundreds of requests. When he made house calls he found almost all the sick had coronavirus symptoms and most had low oxygen levels.
"The situation is severe," said the doctor, who works under the name Pa Gyi. "The hospitals can't do anything for them... I can't just sit and watch as the patients are getting helpless."
He contrasted the situation with that during two previous waves of the coronavirus that were largely brought under control by the government of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now deposed and on trial on an array of charges.
Suu Kyi's government had the advantage of volunteers who manned quarantine and testing centres and helped to take some of the weight at public hospitals.
But far fewer are coming forward to help a military government that still faces daily protests against its seizure of power after alleging fraud in an election landslide by Suu Kyi's party last year.
Most of the volunteers in Mandalay from the first and second waves of coronavirus infections had disappeared, said Phoe Thar.
Instead, groups like his are organising by themselves, resembling the way Myanmar's people often helped each other during disasters in the past - notably after a limited response by a previous junta to the devastating Cyclone Nargis in 2008.
Groups of friends in the main city, Yangon, told Reuters they were clubbing together to try to import oxygen cylinders from neighbouring Thailand.
Residents of the town of Kawlin in the western Sagaing Region are trying to raise at least $30,000 to import their own oxygen generator from China.
"Now we are suffering the third wave of COVID. We don't know how many more waves there we will be," one of the organisers told Reuters by phone, declining to be named for fear of reprisals. "We now have to act as though we don't have any government."..."
Source/publisher:
"Reuters" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-18
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Right to Health: reports of violations in Burma, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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"Dead bodies are being lined up, head to toe, awaiting cremation at Yangon’s crematoriums—the result of COVID-19 patients in Myanmar’s biggest city being turned away in increasing numbers by hospitals that are overwhelmed and lack supplies of medical oxygen, a crucial lifeline for victims of the coronavirus’ deadly new variant.
On Tuesday, Yangon’s Yeway Cemetery saw a steady stream of ambulances carrying bodies to funerals from the morning hours. The same scenes are being played out at the city’s other three burial sites, according to charity workers.
At Yeway Cemetery, a corridor leading to the crematorium teemed with body-laden trolleys. Many of the corpses had been collected by charity workers directly from homes where the victims died of COVID-19.
“They died due to lack of oxygen,” said one worker from a charity organization. He noted that his charity alone took 50 bodies to the cemetery on Tuesday. It is just one of many social charities in the city volunteering to handle COVID-19 victims’ remains.
“So, just guess the number of deaths,” he added.
Myanmar has been experiencing a public health crisis since late last month with the spread of the deadly new variant of COVID-19. As of Tuesday, the country’s Health Ministry had reported 201,274
positive cases with 4,036 deaths since March last year. Given the number of people dying at home, however, the official death toll is believed to be underreported.
Nearly 90 percent of the country has been affected by the third wave of coronavirus infections, with 296 of 330 townships nationwide reporting COVID-19 cases since May.
Making matter worse, the country’s healthcare system has collapsed since the military coup in February. The regime has arrested and issued arrest warrants for many healthcare workers who have been on strike, refusing to work under military rule. As a result, many hospitals that were able to cope with the influx of patients amid the country’s first and second waves of the virus before the coup are now understaffed and unable to treat people—especially those with severe COVID-19 symptoms—who show up at their emergency rooms.
Turned away by hospitals, many people have to rely on treatment at home, including finding their own medical oxygen. This has caused panic buying and shortages of oxygen cylinders. In response, the regime has imposed restrictions on oxygen plants, ordering them not to refill cylinders for individual use because “people are doing it unnecessarily”, according to a junta spokesperson’s comments at a press conference on Monday. The ban has only led to more chaos. On Facebook, desperate family members beg to secure cylinders by any means as loved ones gasp for air. Many of these COVID-19 sufferers don’t make it.
On Tuesday, the parking lot at Yeway Cemetery was crammed with ambulances from charities. The number of people in hazmat suits outnumbered the mourners. Bodies wrapped in blankets or body bags lay untouched for hours before being cremated.
“We had to wait for a long time to get a parking space to unload the body,” said a charity worker..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-14
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"Statement from CARE’s Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs, Deepmala Mahla:
“CARE is deeply concerned about the impact of Myanmar’s deteriorating COVID situation on vulnerable communities. We are hearing reports of long queues of people trying to secure limited oxygen supplies for loved ones battling the virus, and a record 5,014 COVID cases and 80 deaths were reported on 12 July. But with low testing rates, we fear the true extent of the crisis is far worse.
The deepening COVID crisis will undoubtedly exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the country, where access to essential services and supplies is incredibly challenging. CARE is particularly concerned for vulnerable groups, especially women, who are often disproportionately affected in times of crisis.
CARE calls upon ASEAN member states to re-double efforts to work together, and with other countries in the region and the international community, to urgently find a durable and peaceful solution to the ongoing political crisis, so efforts can be focused on addressing the COVID threat.
It is imperative that humanitarian agencies are afforded unimpeded access to affected communities to provide much-needed assistance. CARE calls upon all parties to the ongoing conflict to assure and support neutral, independent humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities. The people of Myanmar need our help to avert more needless suffering.”
Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the largest and oldest humanitarian aid organisations fighting global poverty. CARE has a special focus on empowering and meeting the needs of women and girls and promoting gender equality and works in 100 countries around the world.
CARE International has responded to humanitarian and development needs in Myanmar since 1995. https://www.care.org.au/country/myanmar/
For media enquiries contact:
Suzy Sainovski (based in Melbourne, Australia)
Asia Pacific Regional Communications & Media Advisor, CARE International
Email: [email protected]
Skype: suzy.sainovski
Mobile: + 61 3 429 418 353..."
Source/publisher:
CARE (Geneva)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-13
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"The Interim Emergency Response Plan has been developed under the leadership of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) as an operational planning framework to enable prioritized emergency humanitarian response activities beyond the scope of the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) that was launched in January 2021. The operational plan builds on efforts to date to respond to humanitarian needs arising since 1 February 2021, which have drawn on contingency stocks or reorientation of planned development assistance. The Interim Plan focuses on 1) urban and peri-urban townships in Yangon and Mandalay which have seen dramatic increases in humanitarian needs due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing situation since 1 February; 2) scaling up of emergency response in Kayah State, Chin State, and other areas where clashes have driven large-scale displacement in previously stable areas; and 3) flexible inter-agency rapid response in other areas when new emergency needs related to violence, insecurity, and displacement are identified.
The operating environment across the country has become more challenging in a number of respects. In particular, the volatile security situation and communications and banking disruptions are complicating activities countrywide. Responding in areas with limited pre-existing humanitarian capacity, which are the primary focus of this plan, creates specific challenges and risks that partners are working to address. The Interim Plan, therefore, emphasizes the importance of a cautious and iterative approach, as efforts continue to define needs more clearly, improve information collection and to optimize response approaches. As always, humanitarian response activities will be guided by the internationally recognized principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity.
The Interim Plan emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive humanitarian response approaches tailored to the needs of particular groups, including women, girls, the elderly and persons with disabilities, who are being impacted by the current situation in different ways. It also highlights the centrality of protection and do-no-harm approaches as humanitarian operations extend into new areas.
The Interim Plan identifies $109 million in emergency humanitarian programming to be implemented until the end of 2021. These requirements are in addition to the $276.5 million requested through the 2021 HRP for ongoing humanitarian efforts in Kachin, northern Shan, Rakhine, southern Chin and Kayin states, and parts of eastern Bago Region. The HCT has emphasized that efforts to mobilize in new locations should not draw capacities or resources away from the conflict-affected settings targeted through the HRP and has noted that needs are growing in many of these locations. The HRP and the Interim Plan are therefore distinct but closely linked and will also be implemented in parallel with the development of complementary planning instruments providing, among other areas, for support for the continuity of Myanmar’s health system. If required, lifesaving activities in the areas covered by the Plan and other locations may need to be integrated into a more expansive 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan..."
Source/publisher:
Humanitarian Country Team in Myanmar and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-13
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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Sub-title:
He is the first detained senior member of the former ruling party known to have contracted the disease so far
Description:
"Nyan Win, a central executive committee member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been transferred to a hospital from Insein Prison to receive emergency Covid-19 treatment, prison authorities have confirmed.
Nyan Win, 78, was taken to Yangon General Hospital late Sunday after testing positive for the disease, a senior prison official told Myanmar Now.
“Doctors were treating him for aching muscles. They became suspicious, so they decided to check his blood and found that his oxygen saturation levels were low,” said the prison’s deputy director, San Aye Kyaw.
“Not only is he a bit old, but he also has underlying health issues. And he tested positive on his Covid-19 test,” he added.
Nyan Win is the only senior NLD member detained at Insein Prison since the February 1 coup to have been diagnosed with Covid-19, according to San Aye Kyaw. However, he added, only those with symptoms of the disease have been tested.
One other high-profile prisoner, Dr. Maw Maw Oo, a medical officer from the Yangon General Hospital emergency ward, has also been hospitalized with Covid-19, he said.
Dr. Maw Maw Oo was transferred to North Okkalapa Hospital on July 6 and is still receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) there.
Nyan Win, who is also in an ICU, was in stable condition as of Monday morning, according to San Aye Kyaw. Before last year’s election, he received treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding.
He was taken into custody on February 21 and held in an interrogation centre for more than a month before being transferred to Insein Prison to face charges of incitement under Section 505b of the Penal Code, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
The charges against Dr. Maw Maw Oo, who was on the frontlines of the ousted civilian government’s Covid-19 efforts until the coup, have not been disclosed.
There has been no public acknowledgment of rising Covid-19 cases in Myanmar’s prisons, but San Aye Kyaw said that a two-week partial lockdown has been in place at Insein Prison since July 8.
Volunteer groups told Myanmar Now on Sunday that there were at least 105 deaths from the disease in Yangon in the first 10 days of the month.
The groups have also accused the junta of withholding oxygen supplies from the general public, at a time when few are able to access hospitals due to a breakdown of public services since the coup..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Now" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-12
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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"Yangon, MYANMAR— “I am the mother of three children. As a housewife, I have to rely on my husband’s income. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are earning less and less, and it barely make ends meet. No more food for extra head in the family,” said Yamin, a local woman who lives in the slums of Yangon city. The pandemic and current political crisis make difficult for the people like Yamin to access the family planning services. It exacerbates existing barriers to access and use of sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services for women and girls. She added, “With lack of the access to family planning services, I am scared of getting pregnant. I know there are a lot of women out there suffering the same situation like me. We are losing our rights and choices.”
Quality health care services are compromised.
Globally, the COVID-19 has disrupted health care systems of the countries, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health. It has seriously affected families who want to continue their family planning or childbearing. About 12 million women across the world experienced disruptions to family planning services according to UNFPA research (March 2021).
In Myanmar, the population of women is 53.2% of total population according to 2019 Myanmar’s Inter-censal survey. Adolescent fertility rate is 20.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 while total fertility rate (TFR) is 2 children per women aged 15 to 49. Infant mortality rate is 31 deaths per 1,000 live births. 16 % of currently married women have an unmet need for family planning according to Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). These are the data collected just before the pandemic. There are growing concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic and the political crisis in the country could have extensively compromised the access to essential health care services for women and girls including those living in conflict-affected areas.
Breaking the stigma and empowering women.
Discrimination, stigma, stereotypes and cultural taboos in communities pose significant barriers in accessing quality sexual and reproductive health care services and information.
Ma Hnin, a midwife working in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State said, “While working in rural areas, I see a lot of social issues in sexual and reproductive health. People do not want to talk about it as they assume as a social taboo. They are too shy to consult with experts.” it also does not help that men think family planning is women’s matter. They tend to believe that it has nothing to do with them. She continued, “We need to break this stigma and empower women to speak up for their rights and choices.”
Adapt to the pandemic and respond with action.
Regarding providing essential health services, the COVID-19 pandemic not only has an adverse impact on the beneficiaries, it also has increased issues and challenges for the services providers on the ground. “Due to the pandemic, our mobile delivery services for the women and girls in remote areas have to adapt the situation. We cannot operate as usual. In some cases, we have to limit the numbers of clients per day on priority basis, and sometimes, reduce the numbers of visits to certain locations,” said Dr. Tun who is working with an NGO in Rakhine state.
Also, the ongoing banking crisis has made it even more difficult for NGOs across Myanmar to access funds to deliver services.
However, no matter how challenging the situation is, essential health services for women and girls cannot be stopped. Dr Tun continued, “We adapt. And we respond.”
UNFPA’s call on the global action for the rights and choices of women and girls.
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, works with local and international partner organizations to strengthen comprehensive efforts to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocate to ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights remain at the centre of development.
On the occasion of World Population Day 2021, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem calls on global and national actors; “On this Day, let us take action to close these gaps, because sexual and reproductive health services are essential. Even if health systems are understandably strained, these services cannot wait. Any further delays will curtail the health and well-being of women and girls, consequences that can last a lifetime. Let us work together to uphold the right to decide when and if to have a family and let us stand up for the rights and choices of all women and girls.”
It is important that women and girls are empowered to exercise their rights and choices under any kind of settings including conflicts and emergency situation. They must have control over their body not only in terms of autonomy but also through advances in various areas such as health and education, economics and safety. In Myanmar, while progress has been made towards gender equality, social norms continue to entrench patriarchy and even more so in the context of COVID and conflict, leading to significant inequalities among men and women in access to economic opportunities and health services. Sustained gender inequality is a proven contributor to gender-based violence.
The only way is through rights and choices!
Daw Sein, a local woman from the IDP camp in Rakhine, who received sexual and reproductive health care services from UNFPA implementing partner said, “Regardless of where we are, me and my husband decide together how many children we will have, when to have them and which contraceptive methods to use. We have equal rights to make our choices.” Ensuring women and men are able to exercise their reproductive health rights no matter the context, and that they are able to access reproductive health services without any barriers, is essential towards achieving the commitments of ICPD+25 and Sustainable Development Goals.
This feature story is to commemorate World Population Day 2021. This year’s theme is “Rights and Choices are the Answer: Whether baby boom or bust, the solution lies in prioritizing the reproductive health and rights of all people.” With this annual commemoration, we salute all the individuals and sexual and reproductive health organizations who are working for the rights and choices of women and girls across the world..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Population Fund (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-11
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" Soe Win stood in line at a plant to buy oxygen for his grandmother, who is struggling with COVID-19 symptoms.
“I have been waiting since 5 in the morning until 12 noon but I’m still in line. Oxygen is scarcer than money,” said the resident of Myanmar’s biggest city, Yangon.
Consumed by a bitter and violent political struggle since the military seized power in February, Myanmar has been slow to wake up to a devastating surge in cases since mid-May. It has left many of the sick like Soe Win’s grandmother to suffer at home if they cannot find a bed at an army hospital, or prefer not to trust their care to the widely disliked government.
Under Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader ousted by the military, Myanmar had weathered its second coronavirus surge beginning in August last year by severely restricting travel, sealing off Yangon, and curbing election campaigning in virus hot spots where lockdowns were imposed.
Suu Kyi appeared frequently on television with stern but empathetic entreaties to the public on how to deal with the situation. Vaccine supplies were secured from India and China. Her ouster came less than a week after the first jabs were given to health workers.
Suu Kyi’s removal by the military sparked widespread protests, and medical workers spearheaded a popular civil disobedience movement that called on professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the military-installed government.
Military hospitals continued operating but were shunned by many, while doctors and nurses who boycotted the state system ran makeshift clinics, for which they faced arrest. The pace of vaccinations slowed to a crawl, threatening an explosion in infections.
“No wise person with a good heart and a sincere desire for truth would want to work under the junta’s rule,” said Zeyar Tun, founder of the civic action group Clean Yangon who helped out at quarantine centers. “Under Suu Kyi, the government and volunteers worked together to control the disease, but it is difficult to predict what the future holds under military rule.”
Photos and news stories early last week of people lining up to buy oxygen in the city of Kalay in the northwestern Sagaing region brought home the reality that Myanmar’s health care, already one of the world’s weakest, was on its knees.
“From Myanmar, our U.N. colleagues on the ground say they’re concerned about the rapid increase in the number of recorded COVID-19 cases,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York. “The U.N. team warns that a major outbreak of COVID-19 would have devastating consequences on both people’s health and on the economy. They stress the importance of resuming the delivery of essential health services, implementing measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and to scale up vaccinations.”
By the end of the week, residents of Myanmar’s two biggest cities, Yangon and Mandalay, were also having trouble finding oxygen supplies.
Myanmar’s new leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in a Friday meeting on COVID-19 response ordered oxygen plants to work at full capacity, including converting industrial oxygen for the needs of patients.
Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Aung Naing Oo followed up on Saturday with an announcement that the government is dropping all duties and licensing requirements for the import of oxygen concentrators — devices that generate oxygen.
The Health Ministry on Saturday reported a record 4,377 new confirmed cases for a total of 188,752, as well as a record 71 deaths, bringing the toll to 3,756. The number of tested people found to be infected is hovering around 25%, and equally alarming is how quickly the numbers have been rising.
The data on vaccinations is not very clear, but it appears that as of last month, only 3.5 million doses had been administered to the country’s 55 million people, meaning a maximum of 3.2% of the population would be fully vaccinated with two doses.
According to Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average rose from 1.18 cases per 100,000 people on June 25 to 6.08 cases per 100,000 people on July 9. In the same period, deaths jumped from 0.01 per 100,000 people to 0.08.
Even those numbers are likely an undercount.
According to aid group Relief International, Myanmar’s major challenges are a lack of adequate screening, testing capacity and availability of vaccines.
The Health Ministry announced Thursday night that all schools would be closed for two weeks. Stay-at-home orders had already been issued for badly hit neighborhoods in several cities, including Yangon, and basic field hospitals set up..."
Source/publisher:
"Associated Press" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-11
[field_licence]
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Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, The 2020 General Elections in Burma/Myanmar
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"Nearly 90 percent of the country has been affected by Myanmar’s third wave of coronavirus infections, with 296 of 330 townships nationwide reporting COVID-19 cases since May.
Addressing a meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control measures on Friday, coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing admitted that “the current infection [outbreak] in Myanmar is serious” and was spreading faster than the first and second waves of the coronavirus epidemic in Myanmar.
“If necessary, restrictions should be tightened so the people strictly follow the orders related to COVID-19,” he said.
The junta’s Health Ministry said in mid-June that three mutant strains of the coronavirus have been detected in Myanmar, including the Delta strain, which was first detected in India.
On Friday, Myanmar reported 64 fatalities—the highest death toll since the military coup in February—and 4,320 new COVID-19 cases, after testing 15,747 swab samples, according to the ministry.
As of Friday, Myanmar had reported a total of 184,375 COVID-19 cases with 3,685 deaths.
On Thursday, regime-controlled television announced that all schools, including private and monastic schools, will be closed until July 23. The regime reopened schools on June 1 after they had been shuttered for more than a year under the ousted civilian government due to the pandemic.
Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing added that the regime had an agreement with China to buy 5 million doses of vaccines, while Russia was planning to deliver the first batch of 2 million doses purchased from the country.
Additionally, the junta leader said the regime would “arrange for Myanmar Pharmaceutical Industry to manufacture the vaccines” with support from Russia, which has promised to provide technical help on vaccine production.
Myanmar reported its first cases of COVID-19 in March last year, and a second wave followed in August. In both outbreaks, public participation was huge, with healthcare professionals and volunteers at the forefront of measures to prevent and contain the disease.
After Myanmar experienced a second wave of COVID-19 in August last year, the National League for Democracy government began to implement a nationwide vaccination program on Jan. 27, days before the military coup on Feb. 1. Health-care staff and volunteer medical workers were the first to receive shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine donated by India.
In defiance of military rule, thousands of healthcare professionals are taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and refusing to work for the military regime.
COVID-19 testing declined from between about 16,000 and 18,000 swab tests a day in January under the ousted NLD civilian government to fewer than 2,000 per day between February and early June. Swab testing increased again in late June, with over 8,000 tests conducted.
The military regime has imposed stay-at-home orders in 45 townships: three in Sagaing Region; five in Chin State; seven in Bago Region; eight in Mandalay Region; three in Shan State; three in Ayeyarwady Region; two in Naypyitaw; Gangaw in Magwe Region; three in Mon State; and 10 in Yangon Region..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-10
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"ပြည်ထောင်စုသမ္မတမြန်မာနိုင်ငံတော် အမျိုးသားညီညွတ်ရေးအစိုးရ နိုင်ငံတော်သမ္မတရုံးက အမိန့်ကြော်ငြာစာအမှတ်(၁/၂၀၂၁) ကိုထုတ်ပြန်ပြီး Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID 19) ကာကွယ်၊ ထိန်းချုပ်၊ ကုသရေး အမျိုးသားအဆင့်ကော်မရှင်ကို ဖွဲ့စည်းလိုက်သည်..."
Source/publisher:
National Unity Government of Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-08
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"22,000 Estimated refugee movements to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021
980,000 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 31 December 2020
211,000 Estimated total internal displacement within Myanmar since 1 February 2021
370,000 Estimated internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 31 December 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
Approximately 211,000 people have now been displaced internally in Myanmar since 1 February 2021, a more than 20% increase since one month ago. This includes 176,900 IDPs in Southeast Myanmar and Shan (South). Although recent weeks have seen a decrease in violence in some parts of the country, such as Kachin State and Chin State, the security situation remains volatile, with continued armed clashes, rocket fire, shelling, raids and new military deployments, particularly in southeast Myanmar.
Ceasefires between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and local defence groups in Kayah State and Chin State have allowed some IDPs to return to their homes, but many remain hiding in forest areas and are in dire need of shelter, sleeping mats and medical supplies. Heavy monsoon rains in June have heightened these needs, while the recent increase in COVID-19 transmission—and resulting travel restrictions—has further hampered already limited humanitarian access. Despite the continuing violence in Myanmar, no significant movements of refugees have been reported to neighbouring countries in the last two weeks..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Human Rights and international relations, Public Health
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7.42 MB
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"Highlights:
The situation in the country remains volatile with ongoing reports of violence, restriction of movement, arrests and arbitrary detention.
Access to, and delivery of, humanitarian assistance is still heavily restricted, due in part to, challenges with renewals of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for implementing partners and obtaining travel authorization, coupled with massive disruptions to the banking system.
A reemergence of COVID-19 has occurred since early May, notably in Chin State and other areas. UNICEF has provided oxygen concentrators, with necessary supplies and parts, to district hospitals of Falam and Mindat, Hakha State hospital, Tonzaang Township Hospital and Cikha Station hospital, as well as district hospitals of Kale and Tamu.
Working with partners, UNICEF has also provided handwashing facilities and personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as promoted community health awareness raising through distribution of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) material..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-29
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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1.02 MB
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Sub-title:
Junta to reopen COVID-19 checkpoints shuttered in the aftermath of Feb. 1 coup.
Description:
"More than 3,000 people in Myanmar have died after contracting COVID-19 as infections from the third wave of the pandemic increased the strife-torn country’s total confirmed caseload to nearly 150,000, the military government announced this week.
Myanmar detected its first positive COVID-19 case on March 23, 2020. The country, which shares a long land border with China, initially had a low number of confirmed infections and single-digit deaths until mid-August 2020, when the number of COVID-19 cases began to skyrocket during a second wave that was deadlier then the first.
To contain the spread, Myanmar officials put in place stay-at-home orders, lockdowns, and mandatory quarantines for those traveling to other states and regions within the country as well as for those returning to Myanmar from abroad.
After the military ousted the country’s democratically elected government on Feb. 1, many of these containment policies were abandoned as the junta focused on containing the protests that erupted across the country of 54 million.
But now, cities are resuming stay-at-home arrangements and authorities are reactivating COVID-19 checkpoints.
The junta’s ministry of health said in a statement Wednesday that in the 24-hour period ending Tuesday, it confirmed 630 new cases among 5,090 people screened.
Authorities imposed a lockdown on the city of Falam in western Chin state on the border with India due to a particularly high rate of infection.
“It’s like nine out of 12 people tested were found to be positive,” a volunteer in the city told RFA’s Myanmar Service.
“Due to the high rate of infection the number of infected people could actually be much higher if we had more testing. That’s why they are locking everything down,” said the volunteer, who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Currently, 74 people in the city have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 13 have died at the Falam Civil Hospital, hospital officials told RFA.
In nearby Tiddim, which was the first town in Myanmar where COVID-19 was detected, 348 people have tested positive and five have died, according to local sources. The border town of Tunzang, meanwhile, has 478 confirmed cases and 13 deaths as of Wednesday.
In the northwestern Sagaing region town of Kalay, the scene of heavy fighting between the junta and local militias in April and May, about 80 people died of COVID-19 related complications, an aid worker there told RFA.
“The COVID outbreak is getting worse and worse each day. It’s like it’s happening all over the whole township over the past two weeks. As far as I know, there are infections in Kalay and the surrounding villages,” the aid worker said.
“There are also cases in villages a little farther away. We have more than 200 testing centers now, and some people are undergoing treatment at home. The work of the health sector was not satisfactory at all,” said the aid worker.
Kalay’s COVID center houses more than 200 infected people, but aid workers told RFA that the hospital is staffed by only two nurses and two volunteers.
The Ministry of Health and Sports has imposed stay-at-home-orders in Tiddim, Tunzang, Falam, Hakha and Htantlang in Chin State and Kalay and Tamu in Sagaing Region.
Rakhine infections
In nearby Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh, the cities of Sittwe and Maungdaw have confirmed cases in the double digits.
“We have found 79 positive cases already. Most of these people were doing trade across the border,” Soe Win Paing, the assistant director of Rakhine State Public Health Department, told RFA.
“As for the local infections, one person was found positive in Sittwe and another in Maungdaw yesterday. Those who returned from Bangladesh are kept in quarantine. Most of the time, the positive cases were from this group. We also take swabs of people we suspect to be infected,” said Soe Win Paing, adding that the people should take the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sports seriously.
In the country’s second largest city Mandalay, rising numbers of infections have forced members of the Parahita Min Gaung Charity Group to return to hospitals and intensive care units, the group’s chairman Khin Maung Tint told RFA.
"Right now, everyone who is having doubts is coming in for tests. We administered tests at Kandaw Nadi Hospital. Those who we confirmed as positive were sent to nearby government hospitals,” he said.
“Those patients whose oxygen levels are very low are being kept in the General Hospital as directed by the Regional Health authorities. The situation is just like the time we had the second wave,” he said.
The chairman acknowledged that many of the city’s doctors are not working because they have joined in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in opposition of the military government, but he said he was unsure if the hospitals or COVID centers were adequately staffed.
In southeastern coastal Mon state, seven people tested positive at the Aung Mingalar Railway Police Compound on June 22, according to Ba Min of the Aung Mingalar Youth Charity.
"They are rail workers. One of their senior officials had a loss of smell and took a test in Moulmein. Consequently 14 people, including a police officer on duty at the Aung Mingalar Railway Police Station, were given tests and 7 were found positive,” Ba Min said.
“They are now at Mawlamyaing People's Hospital. At the moment, things are not going well. We have to work really hard as most doctors are gone,” said Ba Min, adding that their family members are now no longer allowed to travel.
The Health Department announced that testing sites will reopen in in the Ayeyawaddy, Yangon and Bago regions and in Rakhine state.
In townships with stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions will be extended for 11 days. People can take tests with their own money if in doubt, the department said.
The junta reported June 15 that three variants of the virus had been detected among the positive cases so far.
As of Thursday, Myanmar has confirmed a total of 149,927 cases with 3,269 deaths according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics..."
Source/publisher:
"RFA" (USA)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-26
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"• An estimated 177,500 people have been displaced in southeastern parts of Myanmar due to violence, armed clashes and insecurity since 1 February. This includes around 103,500 people displaced in Kayah State following an escalation of clashes since 21 May.
• In Chin State, clashes between the Chinland Defence Forces (CDF) and Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) continued across a number of townships until early June and more than 20,000 people are currently hosted in over 100 displacement sites in five townships in Chin State, one in Magway and another in Sagaing regions.
• In Kachin State, the displacement of 2,000 people has been verified in two townships. A total of 11,650 people have been internally displaced across Kachin since mid-March 2021; more than 10,200 of them remain displaced to date.
• Armed clashes were reported for the first time in Kyethi and Mongkaing townships in southern areas of Shan State in 2021, leading to the displacement of an estimated 1,660 people in June. Since the start of 2021, around 17,730 people have been internally displaced across 14 townships in north and southern parts of Shan State.
• The security situation across Rakhine remains relatively calm and despite a lull in hostilities since November 2020, thousands of displaced people who remain in camps and sites are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.
• The Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF) First Standard Allocation will disburse US$12.1 million ($1.8 million increase from the initial strategy) to enable partners to strengthen the response in line with the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The allocation will also target additional life-saving activities to address the emerging humanitarian needs in other areas. The HRP, which seeks US$276.5 million remains only 21 per cent funded..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
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Sub-title:
State hospitals are barely functioning as humanitarian crisis unfolds across the country
Description:
"Myanmar has reported what is believed to be its highest daily increase in Covid cases since the February coup, as concerns grow over the country’s collapsed health system and the junta’s continued crackdown on medics.
Myanmar’s Covid response was plunged into chaos when the military seized power on 1 February, detaining the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
State hospitals are barely functioning, and a growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding across areas such as Kayah state, where the UN estimates a total of 100,000 people have been displaced by conflict.
Fears of a further wave of Covid cases have mounted over recent months, as new, more transmissible variants have spread in neighbouring countries such as India and Thailand. More than 3,000 people in Myanmar died during a previous outbreak in the country.
On Monday, state media announced that 546 new Covid infections and seven fatalities had been registered on 19 June, which is thought to be the highest increase since 1 February. It is not clear how many tests are being carried out, or how many people have been vaccinated.
Joy Singhal, Myanmar head of delegation at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, described the increase as deeply alarming. “It’s confirming our worries that the virus is spreading fast now that the more contagious and dangerous variants are being identified in various parts of the country,” Singhal said.
“Hospitals and the whole health system remain fractured and we need to urgently step up treatment, testing and prevention measures to avert a repeat of the tragedy experienced in other parts of South Asia,” he said.
The rise in cases comes as the junta continues its crackdown on healthcare workers. Last week, state media reported that the former head of the country’s Covid vaccination campaign, Dr Htar Htar Lin, had been arrested and faced several charges, including high treason, for working with pro-democracy politicians. Hundreds of medics are wanted for incitement.
Sandra Mon, a senior epidemiology researcher at the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, said it remained unclear how the junta planned to address the outbreak.
She urged the UN to call for the establishment of a no-fly zone in areas affected by conflict, which have registered infections. “We’re also seeing cases in ethnic areas where there’s a double burden of conflict and an increasing humanitarian crisis. Attempts to deliver medical supplies and equipment to these areas have been blocked by state security forces, which further cripples the response capacity there,” she said.
The possibility of bringing in a third party to manage vaccinations also needed to be considered, she added. Many healthworkers and civilians have rejected vaccinations offered by the junta, due to the deep mistrust of the security forces, which have killed 870 people since February.
“[The] best possible way forward at this point is some sort of medical emergency-based ceasefire in which the junta-Ministry of Health and Sport and NUG-Minsitry of Health come to an agreement for an apolitical covid response strategy,” said Mon, referring to the national unity government which was formed by pro-democracy politicians.
Almost 5,000 people are currently being held in detention, or have been sentenced by the junta, according to the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma). This includes many health workers, who are no longer working in state hospitals, but are instead risking arrest to treat patients in secret, underground clinics, where supplies and equipment are limited. Doctors and nurses have also repeatedly warned they are being deliberately targeted by military violence.
Earlier this month, the health charity MSF said it had been ordered by authorities in Tanintharyi region to suspend activities in Dawei. The charity said the order “could be life-threatening for more than 2,000 HIV and tuberculosis patients” and that it was taking steps to minimise disruption..."
Source/publisher:
"The Guardian" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-21
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"HIGHLIGHTS
As of end of March 2021, there were 13 operational Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Centres (SARI ITC) in the refugee camps, with a total of 502 available beds, in addition to 415 beds that are on standby for COVID-19 case management.
Since the begining of the outbreak; cummulatively, 34,224 COVID-19 tests were conducted among the Rohingya refugees by March 2021. Of these, 438 tested positive.
The Director General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Health Sector partners and WHO conducted a series of meetings and field monitoring visits on 21st and 23rd January to strengthen Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) by risk based sampling and testing through mini laboratories to enhance access to safe, effective and quality medicines and vaccines for all..."
Source/publisher:
Health Cluster and World Health Organization via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-06
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Human Rights and international relations, Rohingya (cultural, political etc.), Burmese refugees in Bangladesh
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" A new outbreak of COVID-19 is growing near Myanmar’s northwestern border with India, bringing the sharpest increase in cases since the military coup in February led to a collapse in health services and the testing programme.
Official figures released late on Thursday showed 122 cases across the country for the second time in three days - a low number compared with many Asian neighbours, but the highest in nearly four months.
Many of the cases are from Chin State, bordering India, raising concerns that the more transmissible variant first found there is now spreading in Myanmar.
“Three people died yesterday alone. Many got scared,” Lang Khan Khai from the Zomi Care and Development aid group told Reuters from the town of Tonzang, just over 20 km (13 miles) from the border with India. “People rarely go out.”
Reuters was unable to reach the health ministry for comment.
Medics are concerned that few cases are being detected. The rate of confirmed infections to tests of over 8% on Thursday was the highest since late November, when the last wave of infections peaked.
Coronavirus testing collapsed after the coup as many health workers joined a civil disobedience movement to protest against the coup that ousted elected ruler Aung San Suu Kyi, whose government had brought two waves of infection under control.
Tests averaged just over 1,400 a day in the seven days to Thursday compared with well over 17,000 in the week before the coup..."
Source/publisher:
"Reuters" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Health Workers Strike, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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"An estimated 151,000 people in southeastern parts of the country have been internally displaced by insecurity and armed conflict between various parties as of 31 May. In Kayah State, between 85,000 to 100,000 people are estimated to have been displaced by ongoing hostilities between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Karenni Army as well as the Karenni People's Defence Force. Fighting in the area continues to escalate with airstrikes and indiscriminate shelling reported. The majority of the displaced people are concentrated in Demoso, Hpruso and Loikaw townships in Kayah State as well as Hsiseng and Pekon townships in southern Shan State, according to UNHCR. The displacement in Kayah State is in addition to 51,200 people who had been displaced in the south-east, over 47,300 people in Kayin State, with a further 3,900 in parts of Mon State and eastern Bago Region, since 1 February due to insecurity and clashes between the MAF and the Karen National Liberation Army. The humanitarian impact of hostilities in the region remains severe, with people displaced and those who remain in areas affected across the south-eastern parts of the country in urgent need of food, shelter, medicine, water as well as sanitation services. Humanitarian access to people in need is constrained by insecurity, road blockages, landmine risks and lengthy or unclear approval processes. As needs grow, the capacities of local partners are increasingly stretched and require additional financial support. Despite the challenges, operational partners are responding to needs where possible. During the reporting period, a small number of families displaced across several townships in Kayah State, Kayin State, and eastern parts of Bago Region received shelter and emergency kits, hygiene assistance, and basic medical supplies. The partners will continue to explore all possible options to respond to the needs of people displaced and everyone affected..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
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1.9 MB
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Description:
"Wrapping up today their four-day visit to Bangladesh, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and for Operations - Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou - called for international support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh. The protection, well-being, and concerns of refugees, as well as renewed efforts towards solutions should be at the forefront of the response.
A joint visit to Bangladesh of the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Gillian Triggs and UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Raouf Mazou, took place from 30 May to 2 June. It included visits to the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar where the vast majority of Rohingya refugees reside, and the island of Bhasan Char, as well as meetings with senior Government officials.
Throughout the visit, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners reiterated their sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian spirit and generous hospitality towards Rohingya refugees as they sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar over decades. This includes, notably, the recent influx of more than 740,000 Rohingya refugees since August 2017. They also reiterated the urgent need to continue working towards comprehensive solutions, including the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
The Assistant High Commissioners emphasized that the responsibility for the current Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh rests with Myanmar, and that is where the solution lies. However, the recent developments in Myanmar make the prospects of voluntary repatriation in the short term more challenging.
“While Bangladesh has shown humanity and solidarity, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, the international community must step up and give practical effect to the obligation to share responsibility, and to protect refugees and support the host Bangladeshi Government,” said Triggs.
The Assistant High Commissioners visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and met with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), responsible for the overall coordination of the Rohingya refugee response in Cox’s Bazar as well as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Cox’s Bazar.
Despite the COVID-19 challenges, they noted remarkable strides have been made in preparing for and responding to the pandemic, both within and outside of the camps, for refugees and host communities alike. The Assistant High Commissioners visited a COVID-19 treatment facility in the local community of Ukhiya, which was built in just 8 weeks. This facility alone has responded to the needs of around 1,000 patients in the past year, almost 70% of whom came from the Bangladeshi host community.
“The inclusive Health Sector response in Cox’s Bazar has saved lives. The Government has set a positive example by including the Rohingya refugees in the national COVID-19 response plan and the related national vaccination plan. UNHCR opened two of a total of 12 operational COVID-19 treatment facilities and established the first Intensive Care Unit in the District hospital. Responding to the needs of both communities on an equal basis is essential to ensuring that everyone is kept safe,” said Mazou.
Additional challenges have been presented by COVID-19 and related restrictions in the camps. The Assistant High Commissioners observed a reduced humanitarian presence in the camps and associated protection risks. UNHCR advocates for essential protection services for the most vulnerable, including women and children who are particularly exposed to gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation, early marriage and child labour.
In its work, UNHCR listens to the voices of refugees. During the visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, the Assistant High Commissioners had the opportunity to discuss with refugees and to better understand their situation and needs. Many stressed the need for the resumption of education and skills training.
The Government facilitated a visit of the Assistant High Commissioners to Bhasan Char. While on the island, they clearly recognized the significant financial investments by the Bangladeshi government in facilities and infrastructure, including housing. However, it was clear that the 18,000 Rohingya refugees currently on the island have protection and assistance needs. That is, access to meaningful livelihoods opportunities, skills development, education, health and access to cash to facilitate their daily lives.
UNHCR recognizes the potential that Bhasan Char could provide as an alternative temporary location for some Rohingya refugees while in Bangladesh. UNHCR proposes further discussions with the Government to ensure protection of refugees, as well as on our future operational engagement on the island. At the same time, UNHCR remains concerned about reports of refugees being arrested and detained for attempting to leave Bhasan Char. UNHCR strongly discourages the use of relocation to Bhasan Char as a punitive measure.
“Bhasan Char has some potential, though the human and protection elements of refugees living there must be fully considered. Refugees who decide to relocate to Bhasan Char must do so on a voluntary basis. They should have freedom of movement on the island and must be granted the possibility to return to Cox’s Bazar and to maintain family connections with those in the camps,” said Triggs.
While on Bhasan Char, UNHCR had the opportunity to talk to a large group of refugees, predominantly young men. They raised their concerns about the lack of access to livelihoods and self-reliance opportunities, skills development, as well as access to education. UNHCR was deeply concerned to learn of reports of refugees who were injured on the day of the visit to Bhasan Char.
While ultimately, the desired solution by the majority of the Rohingya refugees is to return home voluntarily, safely, sustainably and in dignity, when conditions in Myanmar allow, the crisis is now in its fourth year and refugees cannot remain fully dependent on aid.
“Livelihoods and skills training opportunities will provide refugees with a sense of purpose and autonomy while they are in Bangladesh, while preparing them for reintegration when conditions allow them to return home,” stressed Mazou.
Today, 2 June, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners were grateful for the opportunity to meet and discuss these various issues with senior Government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
While continuing to work together with the support of the international community towards voluntary repatriation, the Assistant High Commissioners discussed the possibility of introducing alternative solutions for Rohingya refugees, including resettlement to third countries for the most vulnerable with specific protection needs, as well as complementary pathways overseas, which could include employment and educational opportunities.
UNHCR once more calls on the international community, including through the recently launched 2021 Joint Response Plan, to continue to support the Government of Bangladesh who have taken on a huge responsibility in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world. This must not become a forgotten crisis..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-03
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Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Rohingya (cultural, political etc.), Muslims in Burma, Burmese refugees in Bangladesh
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Description:
"Highlights: In 2020, the situation in Myanmar was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main focus of all UNICEF’s work was adapting programmes to COVID-19-safe engagement modalities and ensuring critical activities continued. UNICEF Myanmar rapidly repurposed its operations to support a massive coordinated national COVID-19 response, to ensure that children in Myanmar, including the most vulnerable, stayed healthy, able to access critical services, and supported by strengthened systems to mitigate the secondary impacts of the crisis.
As we prepare this annual report, the context in Myanmar has significantly changed as a result of the military takeover on 1 February 2021. However, it is worth noting the results achieved last year, and reflecting on how to continue our critical work for children..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-02
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Description:
"Officially, Myanmar says there are only a few dozen new COVID infections a day. Observers say that can't be true. There's hardly any testing going on. There are reports of a lack of staff in testing centers.
Hospitals have the same problem, with doctors and nurses joining strikes against the military, which seized power four months ago. There've been attacks on health-care workers. As schools reopen, teachers and students are also making a stand, defying the junta's calls for full classrooms, which would only help the virus spread.
Hundreds of thousands of people across Myanmar have been calling for an end to the military takeover.
The country is in turmoil. And the health-care system is one of the worst-affected sectors. Doctors and nurses were the first to go on strike, thousands refusing to work under a military regime. But that also poses a problem for COVID patients..."
Source/publisher:
"DW News" (Germany)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-02
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Health Workers Strike, Spring Revolution, Freedom of Movement, violations of in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights Defenders, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Human Rights and international relations, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Description:
"On 5 April 2021, the Government of Bangladesh instituted a second national lockdown and imposed new containment and risk mitigations measures (RRRC 05/04/2021). The second lockdown follows a steep increase in COVID-19 transmission rates. On 19 May 2021, five camps with the highest number of cases were placed under complete lockdown while the remaining 34 camps were subject to heavier COVID-19 containment and risk mitigation measures. Under the new guidance, only health activities and food and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributions will be allowed. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities but must be implemented by Rohingya volunteers under remote management or by staff adjacent to the camps. All other humanitarian activities have been temporarily suspended, including monsoon preparedness (RRRC 19/05/2021).....Methodology: This report builds upon the 2020 COVID-19 and Secondary Impacts report and the 2020 Impact of the Monsoon and COVID-19 Containment Measures report. The report includes an analysis of publicly available secondary data and focuses on the anticipated secondary impacts resulting from the lockdown measures. It does not seek to predict the direct impact of COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar or to assess the humanitarian response’s capability to respond to a second wave of COVID-19.....Limitations: This document should be used with additional and more specific research to inform preparedness and response planning. As this is an evolving situation, measures are changing quickly and directives are sometimes unclear. While the long-term secondary impacts of COVID-19 remain unknown, this report anticipates the short-, medium-, and expected long-term impacts based on the current situation..."
Source/publisher:
Assessment Capacities Project via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Rohingya (cultural, political etc.), Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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168.73 KB (6 pages)
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Title: UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report No. 3: Reporting Period: 28 April to 28 May 2021
Summary:
"Highlights: • The number of people displaced in Kayin, Kachin, Chin and Kayah has increased with the intensification of armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces and ethnic armed organizations...
Description:
"Highlights: • The number of people displaced in Kayin, Kachin, Chin and Kayah has increased with the intensification of armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces and ethnic armed organizations. A wave of improvised explosive device explosions has occurred resulting in the death of a 10 year old child and the injury of another child.
• A total of 54 children (47 boys, 7 girls) have been killed by security forces since the military takeover. Around 1,000 children and young people have been detained, although many of these have now been released.
• UNICEF and partners provided education on explosive weapons-related risk to 13,948 people.
• UNICEF conducted a rapid need assessment (RNA) in Mindat township,vChin State, which will provide data for advocacy, coordination, fundraising, and appropriate allocation of response funds.
• The humanitarian community is working on an Interim Emergency Response Plan for Urban Areas, which will constitute an Addendum to the 2021 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-31
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against more than one ethnic group, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Food Security and human rights in Burma
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Description:
"Breathless, fevered and without the extra oxygen that could help keep them alive, the new coronavirus patients at a hospital near Myanmar's border with India highlight the threat to a health system near collapse since February's coup.
To help her tend the seven COVID-19 patients at Cikha hospital, day and night, chief nurse Lun Za En has a lab technician and a pharmacist's assistant....
Mostly, they offer kind words and paracetamol.:
"We don't have enough oxygen, enough medical equipment, enough electricity, enough doctors or enough ambulances," Lun Za En, 45, told Reuters from the town of just over 10,000. "We are operating with three staff instead of 11."
Myanmar's anti-COVID campaign foundered along with the rest of the health system after the military seized power on Feb. 1 and overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose government had stepped up testing, quarantine and treatment.
Services at public hospitals collapsed after many doctors and nurses joined strikes in a Civil Disobedience Movement in the forefront of opposition to military rule - and sometimes on the frontline of protests that have been bloodily suppressed.
Thirteen medics have been killed, according to World Health Organisation data that shows 179 attacks on health workers, facilities and transport - nearly half of all such attacks recorded worldwide this year, said WHO Myanmar representative Stephan Paul Jost.
Some 150 health workers have been arrested. Hundreds more doctors and nurses are wanted on incitement charges.
Neither a junta spokesman nor the health ministry responded to requests for comment. The junta, which initially set fighting the pandemic as one of its priorities, has repeatedly urged medics to return to work. Few have responded.....
TESTING COLLAPSED:
A worker at one COVID-19 quarantine centre in Myanmar's commercial capital, Yangon, said all the specialist health workers there had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement.
"Then again, we don't receive new patients any more as COVID test centres don't have staff to test," said the worker, who declined to give his name for fear of retribution.
In the week before the coup, COVID-19 tests nationally averaged more than 17,000 a day. That had fallen below 1,200 a day in the seven days through Wednesday.
Myanmar has reported more than 3,200 COVID-19 deaths from over 140,000 cases, although the slump in testing has raised doubts over data that shows new cases and deaths have largely plateaued since the coup.
Now, a health system in crisis is raising concerns about the likely impact on the country from the wave of infections with variants that is sweeping through India, Thailand and other neighbours.
Patients with COVID-19 symptoms started showing up at Cikha hospital in mid-May. It is only 6 km (four miles) from India, and health workers fear the illness could be the highly infectious B.1.617.2 strain - though they lack the means to test for it.
"It's very concerning that COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations are extremely limited in Myanmar as more lives are at risk with new, more dangerous variants spreading," said Luis Sfeir-Younis, Myanmar COVID-19 operations manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.....
SURGE OF CASES:
Twenty-four cases have been identified in Cikha, said Lun Za En. Seven were so serious they needed hospitalisation - a sign of how few cases had likely been detected.
Stay-at-home orders have now been declared in parts of Chin state, where Cikha is located, and neighbouring Sagaing region.
The WHO said it was trying to reach authorities and other groups in the area who could provide help, while recognising the difficulties in a health system that was precipitously reversing years of impressive gains.
"It is not clear how this will be resolved, unless there is a resolution at the political level addressing the political conflict," said Jost.
Lun Za En said her hospital was doing the best it could with nebulisers - machines that turn liquid to mist - to relieve breathlessness. Some patients have oxygen concentrators, but they only work for the two hours a day that the town gets electricity.
Refusing to abandon the sick, Lun Za En said she decided not to join the strikes.
"The junta will not take care of our patients," she said.
Across Myanmar, some striking doctors have set up underground clinics to help patients. When Myanmar Red Cross volunteers established three clinics in Yangon neighbourhoods, they quickly had dozens of patients.....
At best, such options can provide basic care.:
"Eighty percent of the hospitals are public health hospitals," said Marjan Besuijen, head of mission for the Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) aid group. "As MSF or others we can't step in, it's too big."
Although military hospitals have been opened to the public, many people fear them or refuse to go on principle - including for coronavirus vaccinations in a campaign the ousted government had launched days before the coup.
"I am very worried that these new infections will spread all over the country," said Lun Za En. "If the infection spreads to the crowded cities, it could be uncontrollable."
Source/publisher:
"Reuters" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-30
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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Description:
"Nearly four months after the military seized power in Myanmar, people are struggling to access healthcare.
Hospitals are closed or occupied by the military and many facilities are severely understaffed, while COVID-19 remains a threat.
The economic fallout of the military takeover has also resulted in reduced or uncertain access to services, including healthcare and clean water.
MSF urges the military government to ensure people have unhindered access to healthcare, and to allow health workers to provide care without fear or intimidation.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls on Myanmar’s de facto military government, and other groups, to take all steps to ensure people have safe and unhindered access to healthcare, regardless of where they seek it. Equally, medical staff must be able to provide lifesaving care without attacks, detention or intimidation.
Patients typically must choose between seeking treatment at a private facility they may not be able to afford, or at a military-controlled hospital where their safety could be at risk, particularly if they have been involved in protests or the civil disobedience movement.
Non-government organisation clinics do exist in some locations, but they are unable to cover all needs and have had their activities restricted by the military authorities. An MSF-supported clinic was told by security forces it could not treat protesters. The security forces visited the facility, ordered the emergency beds removed and insisted all injured people be taken to the military or military-controlled hospitals. Police also arrested one of its volunteers for being involved in protests and demanded names and addresses of others working there. The facility was forced to temporarily close and is now barely functioning, operated by a skeleton staff.
Patients in Myanmar are forced to travel farther to get care at a time when risks are much greater. Security forces at checkpoints scrutinise those moving around, search their belongings, intimidate them and contribute to a climate of fear. For patients with conditions requiring regular and long-term care, such as HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis C, the ongoing insecurity and delays in accessing medicines could be life-threatening.
“What patients are worried about now is if they can access the clinic to get medication,” an MSF doctor in Kachin state said. “If the security forces at the checkpoints don’t let the patients pass, what can the medical personnel do for their patients?”.....Attacks on healthcare workers: Doctors and nurses continue to be targets of violence. Staff working in medical facilities MSF has provided support to have shared reports of medical staff being arrested and detained.
There have been 179 attacks on health staff and facilities since the start of the military takeover, and 13 people have killed in these attacks, according to the World Health Organizations’s Surveillance System of Attacks on Healthcare.
Media reports have shown emergency medical workers and first responders on the frontlines of peaceful protests being shot at with live rounds, while trying to help the wounded. Our partners have also witnessed raids on organisations providing first aid to injured protesters, and their supplies destroyed.
As Myanmar approaches four months of military rule, public health services remain severely disrupted. Many public hospitals and clinics are closed or occupied by the military, and those that are open have limited services available while medical staff are on strike. MSF has few options for referring people for specialised treatment. These challenges leave many people struggling to access healthcare.
If a wave of new COVID-19 infections grips Myanmar, it will be a public health disaster given the country’s capacity to test, treat and vaccinate is a fraction of what it was before the military seized power.....Economic fallout threatens humanitarian response: As the public health system in Myanmar deteriorates, its economy is also collapsing. Cash is increasingly difficult to obtain, with people facing huge queues at sporadically filled ATMs. The kyat – the local currency – has fallen 17 per cent against the US dollar, pushing up the cost of imports and goods like cooking oil, rice and fuel.
Humanitarian agencies are not immune to this liquidity crisis. Facing shortfalls in cash and increased costs can prevent organisations, including MSF, from buying supplies and medications, paying staff salaries and moving goods around.
We are already seeing the impact of this in our HIV programme in Kachin state. Before 1 February, we had been gradually shifting our HIV patient cohort to the government's National AIDS Programme. However, these clinics are no longer open, and MSF has seen nearly 2,000 patients return to our facilities for consultations and drug refills, and over 200 new HIV-positive patients register.
In Rakhine state, water and sanitation has long been a problem in camps for the Rohingya, where people rely on humanitarian aid for access to clean water. Now that many organisations are scaling back their activities as they struggle to access cash and get supplies into the camps, we are seeing a spike in people seeking treatment for acute watery diarrhoea.....Reignited conflict exacerbates humanitarian crisis: An estimated 60,000 people in Myanmar have been displaced within the country and 10,000 more in neighbouring nations since the 1 February seizure of power, according to data from UNHCR. This is largely due to a resurgence of conflict in Myanmar’s borderlands, particularly in Chin, Kachin and Kayin states – predominantly between the military and ethnic armed groups, but also increasingly including pro-democracy people’s defence forces. Airstrikes and shelling are forcing people to flee their homes and have caused an unknown number of civilian casualties.
MSF had to withdraw staff from one town in Kachin state due to fighting, temporarily interrupting our services, while the sound of shelling and gunshots are commonplace in several locations. This impacts our activities and staff wellbeing, and raises significant concerns for people’s ability to travel to seek healthcare. Medical staff and humanitarian organisations must be protected from violence and given unhindered access to conflict areas to ensure those at risk can access lifesaving care.
MSF fears for the people of Myanmar in this worsening crisis. All obstacles preventing sick and wounded people from seeking healthcare, including the violence, detainment and intimidation of health workers, must be dismantled.
MSF has been working in Myanmar since 1992, with our medical and humanitarian programs growing and developing significantly. Today, over 1,100 staff provide high-quality care through a network of health facilities and mobile clinics..."
Source/publisher:
Médecins Sans Frontières via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-29
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Public Health, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Human Rights and international relations
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Description:
"Introduction: From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns about what would happen in Myanmar, given its extremely weak health infrastructure, its long history of conflict and political instability, and its large impoverished and at-risk population. The low spread of the virus in Myanmar through the first half of 2020 however led some to believe that the Myanmar government was getting it right. The World Health Organisation’s country representative in Myanmar boasted in July 2020 that “Myanmar has done extraordinarily well so far”. He cited Myanmar’s “whole-of-government” approach, adding: “So the country has really gone all out to strengthen the public health side and preparedness and response, which has been critically important to try and make sure we have as few cases as possible in Myanmar.”
Although the Myanmar government’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (entitled “Overcoming as One”) made claims about being a coordinated action “leaving no-one behind”, many of the positive actions of the government have not reached the entire population. Aid and support have remained insufficient in most rural areas, like that of Southeast Myanmar, which is largely populated by ethnic minorities who are already vulnerable due to protracted and on-going conflict, displacement, and ethnic oppression by the central government. Thus Myanmar’s “success” should and can only be gauged through a closer look at COVID-19 response and impact in rural ethnic areas.
Very early on in the pandemic, despite the relatively slow spread of the virus, political fractures and infrastructure weaknesses due to Myanmar’s long and on-going history of conflict could be seen not simply in the government’s response, but that of other stakeholders, like Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), locally based civil society organisations, and NGO/INGOs. In a brief report on the situation in Southeast Myanmar during the first wave of the pandemic, KHRG noted the poor coordination and collaboration between stakeholders and the delayed and uneven response to the crisis. KHRG argued that “the lack of coordination between political stakeholders has meant that villagers and local leaders have struggled to obtain information and consistent training and regulations, and has left too much of the responsibility of figuring out what to do in the hands of those who lack information and resources to effectively organise awareness and prevention”. Not only did this poor coordination result in the forced removal of screening checkpoints by the Tatmadaw, KHRG also found the rise of conflict and tension between villages, increasingly critical challenges to livelihood, as well as the breakdown of local systems of mutual aid.
Given the early indications that COVID-19 response and support were failing in some of the most vulnerable areas in Southeast Myanmar, KHRG continued to monitor the situation to more fully assess the structural weaknesses and barriers that might lead to crisis as the pandemic entered a second wave of outbreaks beginning in August 2020. Increased threats of infection in rural areas did in some cases lead to new efforts at awareness and prevention, but in general sparked heightened restrictions by both the Myanmar government and the Karen National Union (KNU). Thus rather than working to increase individual knowledge and responsibility on the part of villagers, most measures ended up being in the form of broad restrictions like travel bans and school closures that have had significant negative impact on villagers’ lives. These restrictions also seemed to be matched by a reduction in the range of stakeholders providing services and aid. Although the government has provided small amounts of financial and material assistance to households in need, villagers living in KNU-controlled and some mixed control areas have been excluded, leaving local authorities and CSO/CBOs to figure out solutions to support these communities.
Most rural areas in Southeast Myanmar have not (yet) experienced widespread local transmission of the virus, and thus impacts have been more clearly tied to restrictions and prevention measures as opposed to the full-on health crisis seen elsewhere. But because of the already extremely vulnerable situation of many rural communities, the livelihood impacts are themselves at risk of creating a humanitarian crisis. The poor handling thus far of information and prevention, as well as of testing and treatment, may also have wider implications if outbreaks start occurring in the more remote areas.
On February 1st 2021, the Myanmar military seized power by staging a coup against the newly elected government. Although this report focuses on the situation prior to the coup, the infrastructure and services (albeit insufficient) that the central government, EAOs and other stakeholders have put in place over the past year are in the process of being dismantled. Public healthcare services in some areas have come to a halt, and there have been major disruptions to communication, transportation, supply chains, and banking services. COVID-19 testing has been largely reduced, with little reporting now taking place. Any plans for widespread vaccination seem to have been entirely interrupted.
If rural areas of Southeast Myanmar have not yet faced widespread problems of infection, all of this is likely to change. As local doctors have pointed out: “Since the military takeover, the COVID-19 response has stalled. Mass public rallies and protests are both serving a critical function for resistance and unity, but also as likely superspreader events for virus transmission. Without adequate testing, public compliance and goodwill for isolation, access to acute clinical care, and continued immunisations, the implications for COVID-19 spread, morbidity, and mortality are substantial.” Thus, there is need more than ever to find solutions to bring support and aid to rural villagers, whose situation has already deteriorated and become more precarious over the past year. With the military now in control, there is even less likelihood that support and services will reach rural ethnic communities.
Although this report covers the period prior to the coup, and describes an infrastructure that may now barely exist, the problems created by COVID-19 and the government’s response have not disappeared, and will need to be addressed. Furthermore, the underlying political dynamics that impede the development of a support infrastructure capable of addressing the needs of rural ethnic minorities continue to play out. The report thus begins by providing a brief overview of the political dynamics that have shaped access to services and COVID-19 response. Followed by that is a discussion of COVID-19 reporting and testing, and the prevention measures that have been put in place to address the rise in COVID-19 cases. The discussion then turns to impacts on livelihood, access to different forms of support, and the situation of healthcare and education..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) reports
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments in conflict-affected areas from 24 April to 24 May, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next update will be issued towards the end of June 2021.....HIGHLIGHTS: Around 46,000 people were displaced in the south-eastern part of Myanmar between April and May due to the conflict and insecurity, about 37,000 of them displaced in late May following the clashes in Kayah State.
In Chin State, thousands have been internally displaced following an escalation of hostilities in the town of Mindat since 12 May.
In northern Shan, clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and among EAOs continue and around 2,800 people were displaced in May. A total of 8,400 people who have fled since January 2021 remain displaced.
In Kachin State, there has been no new displacement during the reporting period, despite the active armed conflict between the MAF and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA); about 8,500 people who fled insecurity since mid-March remain displaced.
No new population displacement has been reported in Rakhine State. Cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) are reported in IDP camps in Mrauk-U, Paukaw and Sittwe townships.
Humanitarian response remains severely constrained in all conflict-affected areas due to insecurity, banking disruptions, road blockages and pre-existing access challenges.
Myanmar Humanitarian Fund First Standard Allocation of US$10 million launched on 13 May has been amended with an additional $0.35 million to scale up response in Chin State.
A total of US$40.2 million has been mobilized under the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks $276.5 million to address the needs of around 1 million people in conflict-affected areas. This represents less than 15 per cent of the funds required.
KEY FIGURES
85.9K people internally displaced in the South-east due to clashes and insecurity in 2021
15K people internally displaced in northern Shan due to armed clashes in 2021
10K people internally displaced in Kachin State due to armed clashes in 2021
10K people hosted in sites in Chin State and Magway Region due to hostilities in Mindat in May
SITUATION OVERVIEW
UPSURGE IN DISPLACEMENT IN THE SOUTH-EAST: Around 46,000 people were displaced in the southeastern part of the country between April and May, according to data obtained by UNHCR from various sources. This includes the displacement of an estimated 37,000 persons across 57 locations in Kayah State where violence had erupted in late May between the MAF and the Karenni Army, the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party, as well as the Karenni People’s Defense Force, an armed group formed by civilian resistance fighters.
There have been additional displacements, mainly in Kayin State due to insecurity and the clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army and the MAF. Around 45,000 people are currently internally displaced in Kayin State. The majority of them are hiding in jungles with some 8,000 sheltering in caves along Salween River at the border with Thailand. A further 3,900 people remain displaced in Mon State and Bago Region since February. This makes 85,900 the total number of people who have been internally displaced in the region due to armed clashes as well as insecurity as of 24 May.
The internal displacement comes in addition to cross-border movement that remains fluid. Around 7,000 people from Kayin State have crossed the border to seek safety in Thailand since late March and some 1,000 remain in temporary areas in Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand as of 23 May, according to UNHCR.
Humanitarian needs include food, shelter and access to hygiene and sanitation facilities. Additionally, there have been reports of cases of water-borne diseases among the displaced population in the jungle as result of extended lack of access to hygiene and sanitation facilities compounded by the early arrival of the rainy season. Local sources warn of a looming food security crisis if people are unable to return to their villages of origin to tend to their crops and livestock.
Humanitarian partners are doing their best to respond to these needs, both within Myanmar and across the border. For example, in Kayah State, partners provided food and basic households items, child protection and health interventions to a small number of IDPs. However, access restrictions due to insecurity, road blockages, remote terrain, landmine contamination and other bureaucratic impediments continue to impede programme delivery across Kayah and elsewhere.
INCREASING HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN CHIN STATE: Thousands of people have been displaced following an escalation of violence between the MAF and the Chinland Defense Forces (CDF) in and around the town of Mindat in Chin State on 12 May. The MAF deployed heavy artillery, military helicopters and snipers to the area, and despite the reported retreat of the CDF the following day, the MAF reportedly continued its attacks, including against civilian areas and infrastructure in the town of Mindat, which is home to about 25,000 people (2014 data).
Over 9,000 IDPs are currently hosted in 16 sites, mainly in churches and monasteries, in and around Mindat and 7 sites in Saw in Magway Region. Thousands more had reportedly fled to nearby forests and mountains in search of safety and protection. There are also reports of civilian casualties, damage to and occupation of civilian infrastructure, incidents of the MAF using civilians as human shields and alleged cases of sexual assault against women and girls. Clashes also occurred between the MAF and the CDF in Loklung Village near the capital city of Hakkha on 18 May. This has led to the displacement of around 1,000 people to neighboring villages, according to local partners.
The displaced population and those who remain in town are in urgent need of food, water, medicine, shelter and protection services, such as gender-based violence and psychological support. Local communities and religious institutions are making efforts to provide humanitarian assistance; however, this is not reaching everyone in need. Access restrictions, including due to road blockages and insecurity, are complicating the efforts to verify the reports of displacement, casualties and other incidents, as well as assess needs and respond. The Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF) is supporting an operational partner in Chin State to scale up response, by topping up with an additional funding an existing humanitarian programme.
MORE PEOPLE DISPLACED IN NORTHERN SHAN: Population movement remains fluid in northern areas of Shan State with new displacements and small-scale returns reported on a regular basis. In Hsipaw Township, around 2,510 people fled from their homes to safe areas due to hostilities between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army and the allied forces of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army on 18 May. Small-scale population movements were also reported in Nawnghkio and Namtu townships and over the course of May, 2,800 people were internally displaced due to various clashes. A total of 15,151 people have been internally displaced in northern Shan since the start of 2021. While almost half of them returned to their places of origin within weeks, some 8,400 people remain displaced in 34 sites in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Momeik, Namtu, Namhkan and Nawghkio townships. The IDPs are unable to return due to damage to their property and livelihoods as well as insecurity and risks from landmine contamination.
Humanitarian partners organized three missions to the displacement sites and protracted IDP camps over the course of May to assess people’s needs and strengthen response coordination. Despite some assistance provided by host communities and local partners, the needs of families newly displaced remain largely unmet. The IDPs currently require temporary shelter, food, basic household materials, including mosquito nets, blankets, and mats, as well as access to water and sanitation facilities.
NO NEW DISPLACEMENT IN KACHIN DESPITE INSECURITY: There has been no new population displacement in Kachin during the reporting period. Close to 10,000 people have been displaced across Kachin State following the resumption of clashes in mid-March. While many have returned to their places of origin since then, over 8,500 people remain displaced in Bhamo, Hpakant, Injanyang, Momauk, Myitkyina, Sadung, Shwegu and Waingmaw townships. Local communities and operational partners are responding to the needs of newly displaced people; however, access challenges and insecurity are complicating these efforts.
The security situation remains volatile in Kachin State, with regular armed clashes between the MAF and the KIA in several townships and general insecurity across the state. Hostilities were reported across as many as 13 townships; however, clashes were intense in Momauk Township in particular, where fighting around the Ah Law Bum mountain area, currently controlled by the KIA continues unabated, with reports of aerial strikes by the MAF and artillery shelling by both sides. Since March, over 100 armed engagements were reported across Kachin. According to public sources, 11 civilians were killed and 22 others injured between 11 March and 12 May. The details of these incidents could not be verified at the time of reporting due to access challenges.
ACUTE WATERY DIARRHEA IN CENTRAL RAKHINE: AWD cases were reported in IDP camps in MraukU, Pauktaw and Sittwe townships with majority of cases affecting children under five. Based on available information, the cases were reported to be highest during the week of 3 May, with 1,200 cases, and majority reported from six IDP camps. Over 2,000 cases of AWD have so far been reported as of 25 May. The situation has started to stabilize as the number of cases started to go down since 16 May, following robust response by operational partners who are coordination with relevant entities to scale up awareness raising efforts of good hygiene, testing of water quality, chlorination of the boreholes, and cleaning of solid waste and disinfection of latrines. Disease surveillance is ongoing and operational hours of mobile clinics have been extended in certain camps with larger caseloads. Case investigation and laboratory sample collection were also conducted with relevant entities and findings were directly shared to frontline health partners for appropriate clinical management.
NO NEW DIPLACEMENT IN RAKHINE: There has not been any new clashes between the MAF and the AA since November 2020 and no new displacement has been reported. Some small-scale returns among IDPs continue to take place in a number of townships. Close to 82,000 people remain displaced at 147 sites and 27 host communities in 10 townships across Rakhine State. This is in addition to 126,000 IDPs hosted in protracted camps established in 2012..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Internal displacement/forced migration of Shan. Palaung and Wa villagers, Internal displacement/forced migration of Kachin, Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Various groups, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
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"On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar armed forces (known as the Tatmadaw) seized control of the country, following a general election that the National League for Democracy party won by a landslide.
The military have since declared a state of emergency to last for at least a year, and numerous countries have condemned the takeover and subsequent violent crackdown on protestors. Over the past three months, from February to May 2021, hundreds of people, including children, have been killed and many injured during the protests.
The military-run State Administrative Council has targeted doctors and other health workers for taking a leading role in the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Doctors and nurses have been served with warrants and arrests, health workers have been injured while providing care to protestors, ambulances have been destroyed, and health facilities have been raided.
This document is the result of collaboration between Insecurity Insight, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights (CPHHR) as part of the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC). It highlights reported incidents of violence against health workers, facilities, and transport in Myanmar between 11 February and 11 May 2021. It does not include information on violence against patients.
The incidents referred to are based on the dataset 11 February - 11 May 2021 Violence Against Health Care in Myanmar Data, which is available on the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX)..."
Source/publisher:
Insecurity Insight via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-27
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of Movement, violations of in Burma/Myanmar, Health Workers Strike, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Human Rights Defenders, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Sub-title:
The potential arrival of a highly transmissable variant could overwhelm health systems already struggling after military coup
Description:
"Doctors in Myanmar have warned the country would be unable to cope with a major outbreak of Covid-19 as hospitals and medical facilities struggle to function in the aftermath of February’s military coup.
Fears are growing about the potential impact of a highly transmissible variant as neighbouring countries, chiefly India but also Thailand and Laos, battle record numbers of Covid cases.
Last year, more than 3,000 people in Myanmar died when the pandemic hit, with the UN warning the country was particularly vulnerable given its weak public health system.
But there are concerns a third wave could prove far more deadly because, since the military seized power earlier this year, most hospitals are not operational due to a strike by doctors and other medical workers.
The number of people being tested has plummeted and the vaccination programme has been thrown into confusion. The UN has warned that medics fear arrest or detention by the junta “at a time when Myanmar needs them the most”.
One doctor based in Yangon said a fresh outbreak would place extraordinary strain on the public healthcare system.
“I think it would be a disaster,” said the medic, who cannot be named for security reasons. “Even in [the] Covid second wave, the government had a shortage of human resources – doctors. That’s why many medics and volunteers helped us with everything. But now, most of the charity clinics’ doctors, medics and volunteers are being arrested by the junta.”
Another doctor, who also cannot be named, agreed: “This could become a perfect storm, and Myanmar is not in a position to respond. Even if the hospital situation normalises to pre-February levels, the capacity will be critically insufficient to deal with a large outbreak.”
A medic in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second biggest city, said she had treated about 20 Covid patients in recent months and believed the virus was circulating at a low level. “Fortunately it is not spreading massively,” she said.
She worries that health services would be unable to cope with an outbreak if new variants, such as the strain first detected in India, spread over the border.
Mandalay general hospital is barely functioning, and there is only one small charity facility capable of treating patients with severe Covid in the city, she said. It can handle about 20 patients, and equipment is basic. “Compared to the hospital, we have no HFNC [to give patients oxygen] and no patient monitors [which show vital signs],” she said, adding they have just oxygen cylinders and medicines.
A private hospital in the city is also capable of caring for patients who develop pneumonia, she said, but can accept only a very limited number of people, and the medical bills are unaffordable for most. “For the treatment cost you could buy a car,” she said.
Patients who test positive for Covid are referred to the military hospital for treatment, but are too afraid to go. She fears that she could be targeted by security forces for caring for patients outside of the military facility.
Alarmed by the possibility of a major new outbreak, the charity Medical Action Myanmar (Mam) has said it is raising funds for oxygen concentrators to treat patients. A Mam UK spokesperson said: “We are frightened of the impact that Covid will have on an already compromised population.”
According to the Myanmar ministry of health and sports, to date, the country has had more than 143,000 confirmed Covid cases and 3,216 deaths. However, as testing levels have fallen to a fraction of what they were before the coup it is impossible to know the true scale of infections.
Dr Khin Khin Gyi, speaking for the ministry, warned last month: “There is a possibility of a third wave of the pandemic coming.”
For the medics taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement against the junta, which in turn has imposed a violent crackdown on protesters, the prospect of a health emergency during the strike brings much soul-searching.
“Yes, it is a very difficult decision,” said the doctor in Yangon. “The ethical and moral dilemma obviously.” But the surgeon said they would continue “until we win”.
“The unity among junior doctors, thinking about the brighter future if we have democracy, the creativity of generation Z and the resistance of the people (especially the poor ones) against the junta. I think those are the things that motivate me every day.
“There are people who died resisting the junta. This is the least I can do.”..."
Source/publisher:
"The Guardian" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Anti-coup protesters, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Local URL:
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Summary:
"In the first half of May, heavy fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), particularly in Kayin, Kachin and Chin states, killed dozens of combatants and...
Description:
"In the first half of May, heavy fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), particularly in Kayin, Kachin and Chin states, killed dozens of combatants and internally displaced thousands of civilians. Approximately 61,000 people have now been displaced internally in Myanmar since the military takeover on 1 February 2021, of whom some 56,000 remain displaced, representing a 10 percent increase since the beginning of May. This number includes an estimated 42,000 in south-eastern Myanmar and 14,000 in Kachin and northern Shan states. Thousands of people are also additionally believed to be internally displaced in Chin State and Sagaing Region.
Since late March, some 6,900 Myanmar nationals have also sought safety from armed clashes in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province, with 1,800 refugees currently being accommodated in temporary safety areas along the Thai-Myanmar border. In India, refugees from Myanmar continue crossing into Mizoram and Manipur to seek refuge, including as the COVID-19 outbreak in the border areas becomes worse..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and human rights in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and displacement in Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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"U Maung had hoped to be vaccinated before Thingyan, the traditional Myanmar New Year’s festival in mid-April.
A month later, however, the 69-year-old resident of Myingyan in Mandalay Region...
Sub-title:
As efforts to vaccinate the public fall dangerously far behind, most focus on fighting a different scourge
Description:
"U Maung had hoped to be vaccinated before Thingyan, the traditional Myanmar New Year’s festival in mid-April.
A month later, however, the 69-year-old resident of Myingyan in Mandalay Region still hasn’t received the Covid-19 vaccine that the government started making available in late January.
The reason is that Myanmar no longer has a government. Instead, it is ruled by a dictatorship that has dedicated most of its energy since seizing power on February 1 to crushing anti-coup protests.
The vaccine rollout hasn’t ground to a complete halt, but it has been thrown into disarray, leaving millions exposed to the impact of a power struggle that pits the military against the majority of the country’s population.
For his part, U Maung has decided to take his chances with a virus that has killed millions of people globally over the past year, rather than submit to the ministrations of a regime that has murdered hundreds of civilians in the past three months.
“I have no desire whatsoever to get vaccinated if they’re the ones administering it. I don’t trust them at all,” he said, echoing a sentiment expressed by many around the country.....Fighting on two fronts: A nationwide vaccination program was just getting underway when the junta upended it by overthrowing the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
The NLD program, which aimed to cut the infection rate in a country that ranked fourth in Southeast Asia for the number of confirmed cases per capita, relied on the India-produced Covishield vaccine to protect the most vulnerable.
Starting with 1.5 million doses gifted by India, the NLD government had also ordered another 30 million doses as part of an ambitious program to control the spread of the virus.
Among the first to receive the vaccine were healthcare workers, public servants, and members of parliament. Vaccinations for the general public were due to begin by the first week of February.
But before that could happen, the NLD government was ousted, and the nation faced a new crisis in the form of a return to military rule.
After nearly a year on the frontlines of the battle against Covid-19, healthcare workers soon found themselves at the forefront of a very different struggle. Within days of the coup, medical professionals launched the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the newly formed junta.
To counter the regime’s efforts to consolidate its control over the state, they abandoned their jobs at public hospitals and began offering their services through charity and private clinics.
They were later joined by tens of thousands of other civil servants. According to the website CDM2021.org, there are over 200,000 public employees taking part in the CDM, of whom more than 17,000 are healthcare workers.
But the loss of much of its medical workforce didn’t prevent the regime from resuming the vaccination program, which has become a key part of its bid to bolster its claims to legitimacy.
However, its efforts to date have done little to inspire confidence. Observers have noted that propaganda images of people being vaccinated betray a slipshod approach that suggests a lack of proper training.
“From the way they hold two or three needles at a time, instead of taking them out one by one, to the way they have the same person both filling the syringes and giving the shot, there are just so many things wrong with how they’re handling this,” said Khine Khine, a nurse from Mandalay.
Specially trained to take part in the mass vaccination program, Khine Khine was forced to choose between fighting the virus and resisting the regime. In February she left her job because she decided the junta represented the greater threat.....A politicized pandemic response: More than three months after the coup, Myanmar has fallen dangerously far behind in its efforts to combat Covid-19.
Instead of receiving 30 million doses of the Covishield vaccine, it has acquired just 3.5 million. Meanwhile, according to the junta’s own figures, as of April 21, just 1.54 million people had received their first shot, while only 340,000 had returned for their second dose after the prescribed four-week interval.
Most of those who are at least partly inoculated belong to the first cohort vaccinated in January. Ironically, that means that CDM workers and MPs in detention or on the run are among the tiny handful of people in the country with some degree of protection from Covid-19.
But it is this same group that is now among the least likely to become fully vaccinated. The vaccination program has become so highly politicized since the coup that rejecting it is seen by many as a way of defying the regime—which has, in turn, weaponized it against its opponents.
Dr Thiha Kyaw, a doctor from Yangon who has joined the CDM, made no secret of his contempt for the generals who are now running the program.
“It’s just a way to defy and oppose those rebels,” he said of his decision to refuse a second shot. “I don’t want to support what they’re doing. I’m being faithful to my country and my people.”
But while this attitude may seem incompatible with his better judgment as a doctor, it also reflects the fact that the junta has made a point of making access to the vaccine contingent on acceptance of its rule.
In Hpa-an, the capital of Karen State, only public servants who have not joined the CDM are eligible to receive the vaccine, according to a local source who spoke to Myanmar Now.
The source, who is close to healthcare workers and teachers participating in the CDM, cited the example of two junior doctors from the city’s general hospital who were vaccinated in January and were later urged to quit the CDM so they could get a second shot. They refused and went into hiding when it became clear that they had come under scrutiny from senior officials.
“The head of the hospital made an announcement that any staff who came back to work would be vaccinated as planned,” the source said, adding that the same offer was made to teachers who abandoned the CDM.....Plagued by distrust: Apart from those deliberately excluded from the vaccination program, there are many others who choose not to participate, either for political reasons or simply out of a lack of trust in the junta’s capacity to implement public-health measures.
Political opposition to the regime reaches far beyond the ranks of CDM workers. Millions have come out around the country to demand the restoration of civilian rule, braving crackdowns that have so far killed more than 800 civilians.
For many, then, the idea of giving the military an opportunity to portray itself as a saver of lives is difficult to stomach. This is why much of the country has shunned its vaccination efforts.
There are also others, however, who take a more pragmatic view.
Maung Shwe, a 58-year-old native of the Kayah State capital Loikaw who has received two shots, said that those who refuse to accept the vaccine from the military are “being extreme”.
Noting that both the general hospital and the military hospital in Loikaw were offering the vaccine at the end of April, he insisted that he really didn’t care where it came from, as long as it worked.
“Whether it’s from the military or the general hospital, you just have to get the vaccine. The military has it and the public hospital has it. They’re both very convenient. We should be grateful,” he said.
This is, of course, exactly what the junta wants to hear. In an article published by state-run media on May 10, the military said it had sent medical teams in response to “the requests of workers and locals in regions facing difficulty.”
It added: “The locals were extremely grateful and satisfied with the healthcare they received.”
The reality, however, is that many remain wary of the regime’s professed commitment to protecting the health of the country’s citizens.
“It is a controversial issue among the public, regarding how much they trust the vaccines” provided by the junta, remarked one observer who has closely followed the vaccine rollout.
One cause of concern is that the regime has started using vaccines sourced from China. In early May, it received a shipment of half a million doses of Vero Cell, a vaccine backed by the Chinese military.
In a country where anti-Chinese sentiment runs strong, this was seen by some as further evidence of Beijing’s self-interested role in perpetuating the Myanmar military’s grip on power.
More generally, however, there is a feeling that the regime can’t be trusted to store and distribute any vaccine properly without the cooperation of trained medical professionals.
“I know the vaccines need to be kept in specific conditions. But most doctors are now involved in the CDM, so I’m concerned the vaccines won’t be handled appropriately,” said Phoe Htoo, a 70-year-old resident of Yinmabin in Sagaing who said he was unsure about getting the vaccine.....A clear and present danger: Perhaps the most compelling reason that most are lukewarm about receiving the vaccine is the inescapable fact that Myanmar is a nation under siege, where the invisible menace of the coronavirus is eclipsed by the threat of a military run amok.
This fact was underlined on May 6, when regime soldiers shot and killed a woman who had just been vaccinated while she was sitting in a car parked in front of a Mandalay hospital.
By comparison with such atrocities, which have become a regular feature of life under the current regime, Covid-19 seems like a relatively minor concern to many.
“You can protect yourself from infection, and not every case results in death. But with this dictatorship, you’re not even safe in your own home. You’re not safe anywhere. It’s a constant mental torture,” said a 20-year-old man in Tamu, a town in Sagaing Region that has seen major clashes between locals and junta forces.
U Maung, the Myingyan native who refused to get the vaccine despite being in a high-risk age group, expressed the difference even more starkly.
“If the dictatorship falls, the lives of all 50 million people in Myanmar will be better. Covid-19 won’t kill us all,” he said.
Meanwhile, neighbouring India and Thailand, which have both seen surges in the number of new cases, serve as reminders that the pandemic is far from over.
It is difficult to gauge the extent of the spread of the disease in Myanmar because testing has been reduced to just a tenth of what it was before the coup.
More than 60% of the cases diagnosed before February were asymptomatic, so it is likely that the number of new cases reported by the regime—just a dozen or so per day since mid-April, based on an average of about a thousand tests a day—greatly understates the magnitude of the problem.
So far, more than 140,000 have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, of whom 3,212 have died, according to official figures.
While a more accurate measure of the scale of the disaster may prove elusive, one thing is clear—that most would rather rely on their own vigilance than on the mismanaged efforts of a despised regime to protect them from harm.
“It’s not a problem to not be vaccinated right now, for the country or its people. Just wear your masks and wash your hands often,” said Dr Thiha Kyaw..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Now" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-20
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Description:
"The brave people of Myanmar and the National Unity Government of Myanmar greatly appreciate the People, Parliament and Government of the United Kingdom for standing with us at this critical moment in our history. While the fate of our country is in the hands of our people, strong and continued support from the UK Government
and the international community is absolutely crucial to our success. Now, more than ever, the people of Myanmar need your continued friendship and support. First of all, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the People, Parliament and Government of the United Kingdom for standing in solidarity and being a strong voice
for the people of Myanmar. I also want to express my gratitude for the efforts of the UK on coordinating targeted sanctions against key tatmadaw personnel, tatmadaw linked companies and enterprises such as MEC and MEHL, and for providing extra funding to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Additionally, I
would like to further thank the UK government for taking a strong leadership role in the UN and G7 summits on behalf of the people of Myanmar, and for the recognition of CRPH and NUG as important voices of many in this nation. Truly we are the voice
of over 54 million brave people who stand in solidarity against the cruel and ruthless junta. Thank you also for lending protection and support to Ambassador Kyaw Zraw Minn since he was illegally removed from office by the junta.
I previously had the wonderful privilege of meeting with Minister H.E. Nigel Adams and other British Parliamentarians who reassured me that the People and Government of the UK are strongly committed and supportive of the brave people of Myanmar in our peaceful movement for freedom and democracy against the junta reign of terror. I am also looking forward very much to appearing before the British
Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee on the Myanmar military coup hearing. I am proud to serve as the Minister of International Cooperation and Spokesperson for the National Unity Government. It is my job to provide you with the information and assistance that you need to support the people of Myanmar. I am always at your
service. The duty of a nation’s military is to defend and protect its people. However, under the command of Min Aung Hlaing, the supposed guardians of our nation are doing precisely the opposite of their duty and continue arbitrarily murdering and detaining
without cause the brave and innocent civilians of Myanmar on a daily and hourly basis. The people of Myanmar unanimously consider Min Aung Hlaing and those who report to him as terrorists. It has been 104 days since Min Aung Hlaing and his gunmen instigated this illegal coup d’etat and took the nation hostage.
Since that day:
• Nearly 800 civilians have been murdered, including at least 52 children;
• Approximately 5,000 civilians have been detained with roughly 4,000 still
remaining in detention;
• Over 1,500 are being hunted by junta forces, evading arrest warrants.
• Continually bombing villages in ethnic States;
• The junta continues using the ASEAN Summit as a propaganda tool;
• I myself am personally wanted for high treason, as are my colleagues;
• Daily raids on private homes continue unabated. In a raid last week of the
home of an opposition leader, for example, authorities abducted his wife
and 20 day old infant when they could not find him.
• There is significant evidence of the torture of those captured, including the poet Khat Thi who was detained last week and murdered within 24 hours.
• They continue to try and stop the truth from getting out:
o They have shutdown Internet access for weeks now,
o Abolished all free media outlets,
o illegitimately made free association illegal, and
o they have harassed and imprisoned journalists. More than 40
journalists remain in detention in Myanmar including an international
Journalist from Japan.
• The violence we are seeing by the junta is both systematic and widespread. It is clear that they are engaging in crimes against humanity against the people of Myanmar.
• Myanmar is quickly becoming a failed state:
o Nearly a quarter million people have become displaced.
o Food insecurity is rising sharply..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of International Cooperation Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-17
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Human Rights and international relations, UK-Burma relations, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, violations of, Human Rights Defenders, Freedom of Movement, violations of in Burma/Myanmar, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Food Security and displacement in Burma, Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, National Unity Government (NUG)
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Sub-title:
Dictatorship must be resisted, but that’s not enough. Solving the country’s economic crisis could transform society
Description:
"Myanmar is facing an economic and humanitarian disaster of epic proportions. There is an urgent need to protect the poorest and most vulnerable and provide assistance in a way that doesn’t entrench dictatorship. Equally important is to use this crisis to transform Myanmar’s incredibly unequal and singularly exploitative political economy. It’s the key to democratic change. It’s also the key to creating a fairer, as well as a freer and more prosperous, society.
The army’s coup d’état in February has been followed by strikes and protests, and intense repression. The army has not been able to consolidate its coup and has instead unwittingly unleashed revolutionary movements determined to end the military’s role in politics once and for all. Years of turbulence lie ahead.
Meanwhile, the economy has collapsed, with tens of millions of people descending fast into extreme poverty and the World Food Programme estimating that 3.4 million people will be unable to feed themselves properly within the next six months. The healthcare system has also collapsed, jeopardising the lives of many more, including the several hundred thousand people dependent on TB and HIV drugs and the 950,000 infants normally inoculated each year against measles, polio and other diseases. There is now next to no Covid-19 testing and no possibility of large-scale vaccination.
The proximate cause of the unfolding catastrophe is the coup and its aftermath but understanding the history of Myanmar’s political economy is critical for thinking about what may come next.
Myanmar’s economy under British rule was based on the immigration of Indian labourers and the export of primary commodities. After independence in 1948, politics was dominated by the left and efforts to overturn the colonial legacies. But in the late 1980s a new army junta ended the “Burmese way to socialism”, creating new markets, in particular around extractive industries tied to China’s industrial revolution next door. Taxation and social services were practically non-existent. Inequality skyrocketed and a mix of climate change and massive land confiscations drove millions to Thailand in search of work. In the uplands, alongside a patchwork of army battalions, militia and ethnic minority forces, were money-making networks far richer than even the men with guns, including a methamphetamine racket said by the UN to be worth billions.
The political reforms of the past 10 years were not accompanied by any structural change to the economy. The army took a big step back from business, and liberalisation led to more foreign competition as well as growth in a few sectors such as tourism, property and telecoms. A small middle class emerged but most Myanmar people continued to live on the edge of violence and extreme poverty, including the most vulnerable: upland farmers, landless villagers, new urban slum-dwellers, people of South Asian descent and other minorities. The ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in 2017 was unmatched in scale and brutality. But the Myanmar state has long failed many of its peoples.
With the pandemic came an economic shock that sent an already fragile economy into a tailspin, the result of lockdowns and disruptions to foreign trade. The garment sector, the country’s one promising manufacturing industry, was brought to its knees. An international study last October found that income poverty (people making less than $1.90 (£1.36) a day) had risen from 16% to 63% of the population. There was almost no state support.
Now in the aftermath of the coup, the economy is at a virtual standstill. A general strike coupled with the army’s internet blockages have shut down much of the financial system, disrupting business and payroll payments worth the equivalent of billions of US dollars a month. With confidence plummeting and the central bank unwilling or unable to provide needed liquidity, families are hoarding as much cash as possible. It’s difficult to imagine how ordinary people will survive these coming months, especially the rural poor, most of whom are landless and entirely dependent on casual work.
However, the army regime is likely to survive any economic downturn because Myanmar’s system has never veered far from the one that grew up under past juntas and under the toughest possible western sanctions. The new businesses of the past decade, such as manufacturing, will wither, old ones, such as timber and mining, will gain renewed ground, and illicit ones in the uplands, from narcotics to money-laundering and wildlife trafficking will flourish in the protracted instability to come.
Whatever happens, the international priority should be to ensure that Myanmar’s poor and vulnerable communities are able to receive the assistance needed to stay alive, with special attention paid to children’s inoculations. But this must be done with political skill, so as not to undermine chances for the radical political changes to government that the vast majority of people desperately want.
Today’s revolutionary movements aim to cut revenues to the junta and are willing to pay a high economic cost. But a successful transition will come over years, not months, and it’s important to identify the economic landscape best suited for democratic change. Measures to weaken the junta that inadvertently strengthen the hand of transnational criminal networks may lead not to state collapse but a mutated political order, one that will take generations to unwind.
Dictatorship must be resisted but democracy is not enough. Over recent months, a new generation of leaders have come to the fore and many have rejected the ethno-nationalism at the heart of Myanmar politics, seeking fresh alliances across racial, ethnic and religious divides. This is not only welcome but essential for any future success. But there should also be a focus on issues of inequality and underdevelopment, protecting the vulnerable now, while reimagining and mobilising around a fairer political economy of tomorrow..."
Source/publisher:
"The Guardian" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-15
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Business and the Military, WFP (World Food Programme), Human Rights and international relations, Public Health, Anti-coup protesters, Economic History - general, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Language:
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Summary:
"Since the military takeover on 1 February, insecurity and clashes continue to be reported across much of the country with arrest, detention and use of excessive force against protestors by police...
Description:
"Since the military takeover on 1 February, insecurity and clashes continue to be reported across much of the country with arrest, detention and use of excessive force against protestors by police and security forces. Disruptions to banking services, healthcare, communications, and supply chains ensue, while tensions and confrontations in the north and southeast intensify between Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations.
UNHCR and partners continue providing critical life-saving humanitarian assistance, while following the development of the situation closely to better understand the full potential impact on people of concern, including IDPs and stateless populations. Early warning systems, initiated by UNHCR and partners, continue to be employed to detect changes on the ground which could impact on operations and people of concern with the view to inform timely mitigating measures and responses.
At the same time, in this rapidly evolving context, the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis continues to pose additional potential challenges to already strained or disrupted health services. While integrating COVID-19 prevention and response into regular programming, UNHCR will continue to monitor the impact on populations of concern given the heightened risks they may face with critical protection service and assistance increasingly restricted.....NUMBERS AT A GLANCE: 600,000 Estimated stateless Rohingya in Rakhine State, of which some 144,000 are living in 21 displacement camps as well as among the host community since 2012
285,000 Internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Rakhine, Chin,
Kachin, northern Shan, Kayin states, and Bago (east) region, including some 93,100* in 201 sites displaced due to the AAMAF conflict, and at least 58,600 due to the resumption and intensification of clashes between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in the north-and south-east Townships across Rakhine, Chin, Kachin and northern Shan states, and the south-east where UNHCR has consulted with communities through the Early Warning Systems
46,746 Displaced and affected people in Myanmar supported with basic non-food items and shelter material by UNHCR and partners in 2021
Financial requirements in 2021 (as of 04 May 2021) Financial requirements in 2020 (as of 05 January 2021)
USD 52.7 million (14% funded).....KEY HIGHLIGHTS | March - April 2021: Kachin & northern Shan
The resumption and intensification of armed clashes in the Kachin and northern Shan states between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) since March have resulted in the displacement of over 18,000** individuals by 10 May, 14,300 of whom remain in displacement.
In March and April, UNHCR and partners continued to provide support to persons with specific needs (PSNs), including persons with disabilities, elderly, single/female headed households, and those with serious medical conditions, through provision of emergency cash assistance benefitting 207 PSNs and their families. The support is aimed at addressing their most pressing needs such as medical expenses while reducing the risk of resorting to negative coping mechanisms such as borrowing money or taking on debt, or reducing expenditure on key items including water, food, education and healthcare.
UNHCR continues to provide targeted non-food items (NFI) to meet the needs of displaced persons. In March and April, UNHCR distributed NFI items including blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, kitchen sets, tarpaulins, solar lights, soap, and jerry cans to 1,034 families (4,354 individuals) in Kachin and northern Shan states.
In March, UNHCR and partners, completed a community-based project in Mogaung Township, Kachin State. A communal hall was completed with the involvement of the community and will benefit 450 individuals. Since the beginning of the year, UNHCR and partners have completed several projects benefitting over 4,000 individuals. Examples of projects, which are aimed at improving conditions in communities and strengthening social cohesion, include the construction and renovation of schools, road construction, and the construction of gravity flow water systems.....Rakhine & southern Chin: As of April 2021, there are over 93,100 persons displaced across 201 sites and in host communities in Rakhine and southern Chin states in connection with the AAMAF conflict.
Support to displacement sites and IDP camps continue despite limitations imposed by the current political and COVID-19 context. In March and April, UNHCR contributed 10,560 CGI sheets and 811kg of nails for shelter reconstruction through combined efforts of Shelter Cluster partners and UNHCR direct implementation in central Rakhine, and 1,351 families (6,755 individuals) in 31 displacement sites received shelter material to prevent damage during the rainy season in April. In addition, 48 families (240 individuals) received tarpaulins and rope as well as portable solar lamps.
Based on assessments carried out in northern Rakhine townships to identify persons with specific needs in both villages and displacement sites, including persons with disabilities, elderly, and single/female headed households,1,218 households (6,090 individuals) received NFI support, items included kitchen sets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, blankets, tarpaulins.
Field activities within the framework of creating conditions for sustainable solutions for displaced persons from Rakhine State remain ongoing. During the reporting period, a number of community-based projects have been progressing; two community water pond rehabilitation projects are near completion, as is the drilling of a borehole, while another borehole is in the early stages of work. The installation of 59 solar streetlights has been completed in three villages, and a road project and water pond project have been initiated in two village tracts. In another location, a project to improve village paths and access roads in two villages is more than halfway complete.....South-east: Sustained armed clashes in the southeast region of Myanmar between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), including the use of airstrikes, have led to the displacement of an estimated 44,300 people, 5,000 of whom have crossed the border into Thailand and have subsequently returned to Myanmar and remain displaced internally.
The current political situation continues to result in the suspension of many activities in the southeast, both of UNHCR’s and partners’, aside from a few including those carried out by UNHCR through direct implementation.
On 27 April, UNHCR distributed non-food items (NFIs) to new IDPs who fled from airstrikes in Hpa-Pun Township, benefitting 46 families (191 individuals).
In coordination with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), UNHCR facilitated two first aid and trauma trainings targeting 35 members of the community and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Loikaw Township, Kayah State. Given the positive feedback received, two more similar trainings will be organized for May targeting 60 individuals.
In March and April, the implementation of community-based projects in Kayin State progressed with an aim of improving infrastructure and supporting peaceful coexistence among communities. Several projects are in various stages of completion, including solar streetlight installation and the construction of a primary school, which are nearing completion, and the construction of a health centre including staff housing and the construction of a study hall are nearly half complete..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-15
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Armed conflict in Burma - Impact on village life, including health and education, Armed conflict in Kachin State - displacement and the humanitarian situation, Armed conflict in Shan State - displacement, mass exoduses and the humanitarian situation, Armed conflict in Rakhine (Arakan) State, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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Description:
"The Union Minister of International Cooperation and Spokesperson of National Unity Government of Myanmar H.E. Dr. Sasa’s address the People and Government of the United States of America- USA..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of International Cooperation Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-15
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), USA-Burma relations, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Food Security and militarisation in Burma, Public Health, Education rights: reports of violations in Burma, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
1.76 MB
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Description:
"H.E. Dr. Sasa, Union Minister of International Cooperation and Spokesperson of the National Unity Government of Myanmar had the privilege of meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, H.E. Sung Yong Kim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, H.E. Atul Keshap, and
other senior US Government officials, and had the privilege of making the following address to the people and Government of the United States of America on behalf of the people of Myanmar and the people's elected National Unity Government of Myanmar. II
The brave people of Myanmar and the people’s National Unity Government of Myanmar greatly appreciate the People and Government of the United States of America for its strong
leadership and action against the illegal military junta since the very first day of the military coup on February 1st, 2021.
I am proud to serve as Minister of International Cooperation and spokesperson for the National Unity Government. It is my job to provide you with the information and assistance that you
need to support the people of Myanmar. I am here at your service.
Thank you again for your continued support of the people of Myanmar. While the fate of our country is in the hands of our people, strong and sustained support from the international community, specially from the United States of America is crucial. We are deeply grateful to
all who are standing with us through this horrific ordeal. Now, more than ever, the people of Myanmar need your cooperation, friendship and support. It has been exactly 100 days since the terrorist regime headed by Min Aung Hlaing and his henchmen stole the results of our democratic election and authority from the elected government officials of the people of Myanmar. Like many people in Myanmar, I fear for my
life, but I have survived unscathed till this day. Sadly, however, many of our brave citizens have not been as fortunate as me. Since that horrible day, the coup instigators and 'SAC' forces have murdered nearly 800 civilian heroes of Myanmar, and illegally detained and
imprisoned nearly 5000 of my brave fellow citizens.
The duty of a nation’s military is to defend and protect its people. However, under the command of Min Aung Hlaing, the supposed guardians of our nation are doing precisely the opposite of their duty and continue arbitrarily murdering and detaining without cause the brave and innocent civilians of Myanmar on a daily and hourly basis. The people of Myanmar unanimously consider Min Aung Hlaing and those who report to him as terrorists. Without cause, without explanation, and without even a hearing these terrorists are detaining, beating, raping, torturing, shooting, and murdering innocent civilians and civil servants participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement both openly on the streets and secretly in confinement. This
should come as no surprise, however, as the terrorist tatmadaw organization has been weaponizing rape and murder in atrocities, crimes against humanity, war crimes, ethnic cleansing against ethnic nationalities such as the Kachin, Karen, Shan, Kayah, Mon, Rakhine,
Chin, Rohingya and many, many more..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of International Cooperation Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-13
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Food Security and militarisation in Burma, Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, USA-Burma relations, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Summary:
"Move by the National Union Government towards a Federal Union Army will see a more formal conflict develop.
OVERVIEW
Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), established by opponents of army...
Description:
"Move by the National Union Government towards a Federal Union Army will see a more formal conflict develop.
OVERVIEW
Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), established by opponents of army rule, declared on 05 May that it would establish a “People’s Defence Force” as protection against government violent attacks towards its members.
The statement noted that this was a prelude to establishing a Federal Union Army “in order to terminate the 70-year-long civil war.”
The Tatmadaw also responded with heavy weapons after reports that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) shot down a military helicopter in the vicinity of Konelaw village, Moemauk Township, Kachin State on 4 May.
The risk of deterioration within Myanmar was highlighted by Zhang Jun, the Chinese Ambassador to the UN, in one of China’s strongest statements yet, when he warned that further violence in Myanmar could lead to “civil war”.
ANALYSIS
We predicted in our previous alert (27 Apr: Myanmar Border Area Clashes) that any further violence either along the Thai border area or between the Tatmadaw and the militia units (in this instance the Karen National Union - KNU) would likely escalate.
Violent episodes are intensifying: on 4 May bomb blasts were reported in Myaing Township on 4 May, as were further clashes in Chin state, near the border with India, between the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) and Myanmar troops.
The move by the NUG towards a Federal Union Army is highly likely in response to these clashes and would build a coordinated force against the Tatmadaw.
Indeed, local sources have reported that units have been training “in the jungle” for several months and that militias have been using illegal arms traders to build up supplies of weapons.
PREDICTION
The move by the NGU to establish a Federal Union Army, along with the intensifying number of incidents, and the UN Chinese Ambassador’s comments points to the high probability that a more formal civil war phase is imminent.
Cross border illicit arms trading will see a major increase, whilst the Tatmadaw will likely receive more military support from China, and possibly India; both have geopolitical interests in supporting the Myanmar government.
Both militia units and the “People’s Defence Force/Federal Union Army” are likely to receive illicit aid from countries opposed to either India or China.
The numbers of IDPs within the country, and refugees seeking shelter on the Thai/Indian border is likely to increase, leading to the possibility of further spread of COVID-19 within the country and region – as Myanmar appears to heading into a third wave of the virus, with no effective vaccine deployment in place.
MITIGATION
Organisations should carefully consider whether to deploy staff within 10 miles of the border areas – especially the China/Myanmar border region.
Vary routes into and out of projects as often as possible.
All staff should remove themselves from social media (if internet still available), remove satellite dishes from homes (if outside of main cities), and where possible, organisations should ensure that staff have a removable hard drive, and emphasize strict IT safeguarding protocols.
Reinforce use of PPE and checking in protocols..."
Source/publisher:
Insecurity Insight via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-10
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), Federalism, ethnic conflict and the politics of national reconciliation - general studies and sources, Human Rights Defenders, Popular participation rights: reports of violations in Burma, Public Health, Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against several groups
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Summary:
"The United Nations in Myanmar warns of the impact on public health, including the COVID-19 response, from attacks on medical personnel and facilities, and reiterates its call for health workers,...
Description:
"The United Nations in Myanmar warns of the impact on public health, including the COVID-19 response, from attacks on medical personnel and facilities, and reiterates its call for health workers, health facilities and patients to be protected.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) global surveillance system, since the beginning of February there have been 158 reported attacks on health care, resulting in 11 deaths and 51 injuries. This is currently the majority of reported attacks on health care services worldwide since the beginning of 2021. Some 83 attacks impacted facilities, 21 attacks impacted ambulances, 76 attacks impacted health personnel, and 73 attacks impacted patients.
The global tracking system cumulatively lists 51 health facilities across Myanmar as having been under occupation by security forces. At least 31 of these facilities remain currently occupied and have reported a drop in the number of people seeking medical care. Meanwhile, at least 139 doctors believed to be participating in civil disobedience have reportedly been charged under Section 505 (a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code. These include highly specialized health personnel whose expertise cannot easily be replaced, which will significantly impact both the quality and quantity of health services available.
Attacks on health care pose a grave risk for the delivery of essential health services, as well as for the COVID-19 response, with potential devastating consequences for Myanmar and beyond. At a time when Myanmar needs them the most, health workers fear arrest or detention for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“The United Nations in Myanmar stands ready to continue its support of the national COVID-19 response but this requires a return to the comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic previously underway, that the inviolable nature of health facilities and health workers and patients is respected, and the immediate release of urgently needed medical and technical personnel detained or arrested while exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” Andrew Kirkwood, acting interim United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, said.
The United Nations Country Team in Myanmar consists of FAO, ILO, IOM, ITC, OHCHR, OCHA, UNAIDS, UNCDF,
UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UN HABITAT, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNODC, UNOPS, UNV, UN WOMEN, WFP, and WHO..."
Source/publisher:
UN Country Team in Myanmar via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-07
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, World Health Organisation (WHO), Health Workers Strike, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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186.85 KB 104.58 KB
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Sub-title:
There have been at least 158 reported attacks on medical personnel and facilities in Myanmar, with more than 139 doctors arrested and charged since the military coup in February, endangering not only vital health services but also the COVID-19 response, the UN Country Team (UNCT) there said on Wednesday.
Description:
"“At a time when Myanmar needs them the most, health workers fear arrest or detention for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”, the Country Team said in a news release, reiterating its call for health workers, health facilities and patients to be protected.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s global surveillance system, the 158 reported attacks resulted in at least 11 deaths and 51 injuries.
It also listed some 51 health facilities across Myanmar as having been under occupation by security forces, and that at least 31 of those facilities remain currently occupied. The occupied facilities also reported a drop in the number of people seeking medical care.
In addition, at least 139 doctors participating in the civil disobedience movement have reportedly been charged under Section 505 (a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code.
Those detained include highly specialized health personnel whose expertise cannot easily be replaced, which will significantly impact both the quality and quantity of health services available, according to the UNCT.
'Inviolable nature’
Andrew Kirkwood, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Myanmar, said the UN system in the country stands ready to continue its support for the national COVID-19 response.
“But this requires a return to the comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic previously underway, that the inviolable nature of health facilities and health workers and patients is respected, and the immediate release of urgently needed medical and technical personnel detained or arrested while exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”, he added.
Crisis into its fourth month
Into its fourth month, the political turmoil – marked by near daily pro-democracy protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces – has reportedly claimed at least 750 lives and wounded countless more.
There are also serious concerns over the continuing impact of the crisis.
Last week, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warned of skyrocketing poverty and economic collapse, while the UN human rights chief, in April, cautioned that Myanmar risks spiralling into a “full-blown conflict”, urging States with influence to take immediate and impactful action to halt the bloodshed.....Urging protections for healthcare globally: Launched in 2012, WHO’s Attacks on Health Care initiative collects evidence globally to advocate for safeguarding health care from attacks, which it defines as “any verbal or physical act of violence, obstruction or threat that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of such services”.
The data on “attacks on health care” in various settings, including humanitarian emergencies, is collected by the agency’s global surveillance system, available online.
This initiative does not aim at identifying perpetrators of such incidents, WHO said..."
Source/publisher:
UN News
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-05
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Health Workers Strike, Anti-coup campaigns, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Summary:
"On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup and ordered a year-long state of emergency under sections 417 and 418(a) of the 2008 constitution, promising that new elections would be held...
Description:
"On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup and ordered a year-long state of emergency under sections 417 and 418(a) of the 2008 constitution, promising that new elections would be held one year after what they labelled ‘fraudulent elections’ in November 2020 (Myanmar Times 02/02/2021; Reuters 16/02/2021 and 01/02/2021). This coup transferred all legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Commander in Chief of the Defence Services (Reuters 01/02/2021). In response, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was immediately formed as a parliament, primarily by democratically elected members of the 2020 general election. CRPH recognises itself as the only legitimate government (CRPH 20/02/2021). By mid-April, a National Unity Government was established (CRPH 16/04/2021). This move, coupled with the formation and growth of a civil disobedience movement (CDM) and associated protests, has severely constrained the military junta’s ability to consolidate power and rule of law (01/02/2021).
Countrywide protests are ongoing, with the military junta using systemic and arbitrary violence against anti-coup protesters. The use of live ammunition, raids, strip searches, beatings, and detention has been reported..."
Source/publisher:
Assessment Capacities Project (Geneva) via "Reuters" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Human Rights and international relations, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, violations of, Public Health, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
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Size:
7.19 MB
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Summary:
"Pandemic and political crisis could result in half of Myanmar’s population living in poverty by 2022, UNDP says
The combined effects of the two crises could put over a decade of progress on...
Description:
"Pandemic and political crisis could result in half of Myanmar’s population living in poverty by 2022, UNDP says
The combined effects of the two crises could put over a decade of progress on poverty reduction in the country at risk
Yangon – After more than a decade of hard-won gains in the fight against poverty, the number of poor people in Myanmar could double as a result of the combined impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing political crisis, according to new research released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The study, entitled “COVID-19, Coup d’état and Poverty: Compounding Negative Shocks and their Impact on Human Development in Myanmar” warns that, if unchecked, the combined effect of these two crises could push up to 12 million people into poverty. That could result in as much as 25 million people - nearly half of Myanmar’s population - living below the national poverty line by early 2022, a level of impoverishment not seen in the country since 2005.
The analysis indicates that, by the end of 2020, 83 per cent of households had reported that their incomes had been, on average, slashed almost in half due to the pandemic. With these unprecedented circumstances, the number of people living below the poverty line in Myanmar is estimated to have increased by 11 percentage points as a result of the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
And according to the projections outlined in the report, the worsening security, human rights, and development situation in Myanmar since February 2021 could cause another sharp rise in the country’s poverty rate – driving it up by an additional 12 percentage points by early next year.
“In the space of 12 years, from 2005 to 2017, Myanmar managed to nearly halve the number of people living in poverty. However, the challenges of the past 12 months have put all of these hard-won development gains at risk,” said UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner. “Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation.”
According to the study, women and children are projected to bear the heaviest brunt, with more than half of Myanmar’s children projected to be living in poverty within a year.
Urban poverty is expected to triple, and the worsening security conditions have continued to fracture supply chains and hinder the movement of people, services, and commodities including the provision of agricultural goods. Small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs and incomes for the poorer segments of the urban population, have been hit hard.
The pressure on the country’s currency, the Kyat, has increased the price of imports and energy. At the same time, the country’s banking system remains paralyzed, resulting in shortages of cash and limited access to social welfare payments. It also prevents much-needed remittances from reaching hard-pressed families.
“We are witnessing a compounding crisis of unprecedented severity and complexity. Myanmar had managed to halve poverty, and with its democratic transition was showing signs of firming up fragile human development gains. Now it feels like a push-back to 2005. The combined effects of COVID-19 and the political crisis have caused a systemic shock which could lead to a long-lasting disruption in Myanmar’s development trajectory, unless addressed and resolved soon,” said Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
As the situation in Myanmar continues to worsen, UNDP joins the United Nations Secretary-General in condemning, in the strongest terms, the killing of civilians, and in calling for a firm, unified and resolute international response to the crisis.
Link to the report: https://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/library/democrati...
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Development Programme (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNDP - Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Human Rights and international relations, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
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Size:
593.8 KB
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Summary:
"This regular humanitarian update, covering the period from 20 January to 24 February, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next...
Description:
"This regular humanitarian update, covering the period from 20 January to 24 February, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next update will be issued towards the end of March 2021.....HIGHLIGHTS: The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar reaffirms the commitment of the UN and its partners to stay and deliver humanitarian assistance and protection services and calls for donor support for the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks US$276.5 million to respond to the needs of 945,000 people.
Humanitarian response efforts are affected by operational challenges resulting from the recent developments, such as cash shortages and concerns for staff safety and security.
In northern Shan, around 2,300 people were newly displaced in Kyaukme,
Namtu and Hsipaw townships in February due to armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or between EAOs. Another 1,000 people remain displaced in Kyaukme in northern Shan since January.
In Lashio and Laukkaing townships in northern Shan, nine people were reportedly killed and eight others, including an unidentified number of children, injured due to armed clashes on 5 February.
Over 5,300 people remain displaced in Kayin State and Bago Region since late December; sporadic clashes continued to be reported between the MAF and the Karen National Union (KNU) throughout February..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Water resources of Burma/Myanmar
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Summary:
"Highlights: • Artillery shelling and indiscriminate airstrikes by armed forces in Kayin State caused more than 20,000 civilians to flee and hide in forest areas along the Myanmar-Thailand border...
Description:
"Highlights: • Artillery shelling and indiscriminate airstrikes by armed forces in Kayin State caused more than 20,000 civilians to flee and hide in forest areas along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
• New displacements are reported in Kachin State, northern Shan State and Bago region. On a single day.9 April, 82 civilians were killed in Bago region, and tens of thousands of people were displaced.
• Provision of health, education and other critical services continue to be disrupted in many parts of the country.
Protests and a civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the military takeover continue.
• Since the events of 1 February, a significant decline in the number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths has been observed. COVID-19 vaccination is currently being managed by the de facto authorities without any clear prioritization by age or associated risk factors. Even before, nearly one million people in five states, including 336,000 IDPs, needed humanitarian assistance.
• There are additional needs for areas falling outside of Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) areas, especially in the Yangon, Mandalay and Bago regions..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against more than one ethnic group, Children's rights: resources and organisations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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Description:
"At least 109 attacks and threats against health workers, facilities, and transports have reportedly been perpetrated in Myanmar from February 11 to April 12, 2021, according to an analysis based on open-source reports conducted by Insecurity Insight, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and Johns Hopkins University Center for Public Health and Human Rights (CPHHR).
The attacks are uniformly reported to have been committed by the country’s armed forces and police amid ongoing protests against the military coup. In addition to the military’s attacks on civilians and demonstrators, health workers have been targeted for providing medical care to injured civilians and other health workers have been attacked for their participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), which is protesting the military takeover.
Within the 109 total incidents that took place across Myanmar between February 11 and April 12, Insecurity Insight, PHR, and CPHHR highlight reports of:
97 health workers arrested
32 health workers injured
10 health workers killed
Hospitals raided at least 49 times
Hospitals occupied at least 36 times
The incidents referred to are based on the dataset 11 February – 12 April 2021 Violence Against Health Care in Myanmar Data, which is available on the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX).
For the purposes of this research brief, one incident can comprise multiple types of violence or threats such as those above. For example, in one reported incident in Kyauk Kone township in Yangon city on February 27, 20 health workers were arrested and four were injured.
In another reported incident on April 5 in Saunchaung township in Yangon, four medical staff were arrested when a charity clinic was raided by soldiers and police. In one reported incident on March 9 in Heho town, Shan state, soldiers occupied the Heho General Hospital. Local residents protested the occupation, resulting in the arrest of 36 people. The detained individuals were sent to Taunggyi Prison.
“The Myanmar military’s persecution of health workers is taking many horrifying forms: ambulances shot at, clinics taken over by armed forces, medics killed,” said Jennifer Leigh, an epidemiologist serving as PHR’s Myanmar researcher. “By attacking the health system, the junta is terrorizing the population and cutting off access to life-saving care in the middle of a pandemic.These are gross violations of human rights, and threats against long-standing international principles of protection of health care, including the obligations of health professionals to care for the sick and wounded without interference.”
“Attacks on health care are a global phenomenon, experienced in many conflict settings but also fueled by the pandemic,” said Christina Wille, managing director of Insecurity Insight. “Tragically, Myanmar has emerged as a major hotspot for violence against health care, as the military brazenly assaults health workers and attempts to control the country’s health infrastructure.”
The research brief highlights reported incidents of violence against health workers, facilities, and transport in Myanmar between February 11 and April 12, 2021. It does not include information on violence against patients.
Insecurity Insight, PHR, and CPHHR used an open-source methodology to compile incidents noted in local, national, and international news outlets, online databases, and social media reports. The incidents reported are neither a complete nor a representative list of all incidents. Most incidents have not undergone verification by Insecurity Insight, PHR, and CPHHR. Data collection is ongoing and data may change as more information is made available. However, the data offers a snapshot of how Myanmar’s military is persecuting health workers and targeting facilities amid its broader crackdown on dissent.
The research brief makes several recommendations to United Nations (UN) Member States, urging the international community to ensure the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, adopted May 2016, which strongly condemns attacks on medical personnel in conflict situations.
Earlier this month, PHR and 20 other organizations sent an open letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to take immediate additional actions to address the public health and human rights crisis in Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
Physicians for Human Rights (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Health Workers Strike, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Public Health
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235.59 KB
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Summary:
"Today, the EU has stepped up its response to assist those in need in Myanmar in the context of the recent military coup, with the allocation of an additional €9 million in emergency humanitarian aid...
Description:
"Today, the EU has stepped up its response to assist those in need in Myanmar in the context of the recent military coup, with the allocation of an additional €9 million in emergency humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable.
The critical reinforcement of the EU's response comes on top of a funding package of €11.5 million provided at the start of 2021, to support key humanitarian and disaster preparedness needs in the country, bringing EU humanitarian assistance in Myanmar to a total of €20.5 million in 2021 so far.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: "The violent military junta that has overthrown the legitimate government in Myanmar has been merciless in killing innocent civilians, in egregious violations of International Humanitarian Law that exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by displaced and conflict-affected populations. The EU condemns the despicable acts of violence by the coup d'état and meanwhile reaffirms its will to continue providing strong humanitarian support through its humanitarian partners directly to the most vulnerable population, who also face recurrent natural hazards that further increase their needs. At this crucial and pressing time, the EU is showing up for the people of Myanmar by significantly stepping up its support in humanitarian assistance.”
The funding will be used to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the sectors of emergency health support, protection, food security, and multi-sector emergency assistance. Through this additional allocation, the EU is stepping up its response capacities in the conflict areas in which it is active, and also in urban settings, where indiscriminate violence has been used by the Myanmar security forces.
The additional funding will also provide humanitarian assistance to those fleeing fighting between Ethnic Armed Groups and the Myanmar Armed Forces, with funds allocated to address the growing regional implications of the crisis, including in Thailand.
All EU humanitarian funding is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and is channelled directly through NGOs, UN Agencies, and the Red Cross. The EU does not provide any humanitarian aid funding to the illegitimate military authorities.
Background
Conflict in Myanmar is marred by widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting in substantial humanitarian needs. More than 336,000 people in Myanmar have been internally displaced, a large majority of whom are in situations of protracted displacement in Rakhine, Kachin, Kayin and Shan states, with limited access to basic services.
An estimated 600,000 Rohingya people remain in Rakhine State, of whom around 126,000 are effectively confined to camps or camp-like settings that were established in 2012, and so still cannot move freely. Restricted humanitarian access to several areas hampers the ability of international aid organisations to provide crucial assistance to people in need. Recurrent natural hazards also increase the vulnerability of people living in disaster-prone areas.
Since 1994, the EU has provided €287 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar, with €19 million allocated in 2020. The EU works with trusted and independent humanitarian partners to address the protection, food, nutrition and health needs of the most vulnerable people, particularly in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin and Shan states.
Following the violence in August 2017, the EU has stepped up its humanitarian assistance in the form of food, nutritional care, healthcare, water and sanitation, coordination, and protection, including mine education.
Humanitarian needs are increasing as a result of the 1 February 2021 coup d'état, as security forces use indiscriminate violence against civilians and fighting increases between Ethnic Armed Groups and the Myanmar Armed Forces. The EU will closely monitor the humanitarian situation in Myanmar, in light of the recent developments, to step up the humanitarian response further, if needed..."
Source/publisher:
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (Brussels) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis), Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
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pdf
Size:
42.85 KB
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Description:
"Myanmar's front-line medical workers are finding themselves in a precarious position, torn between their patients and working for a military government enforcing a brutal crackdown on the country.
Moe* is 53 years old and has stage three breast cancer.
She used to go for radiotherapy treatment every three weeks at the state-run Mandalay General Hospital in northern Myanmar.
But the day after the military deposed Myanmar's elected government in a coup on 1 February, the hospital closed its doors. Doctors, nurses and other medical workers all walked out in protest and have not returned.
Now Moe cannot afford the roughly $700 (£502) she would need to complete her remaining cycles of treatment at a private hospital.
Without it, she believes she has around a year to live.
Nevertheless, she does not blame the doctors: "It's the fault of the military," she told the BBC.
"Even if I die with cancer, I can accept it. The rest of the people in Myanmar deserve democracy.".....'Near collapse': Myanmar's healthcare system has been one of the worst-affected sectors in the aftermath of a coup on 1 February which saw the military seize control of the country, sparking widespread protests.
Thousands of doctors have joined the country's civil disobedience movement which has seen public employees and other state officials refusing to work under the new military regime.
Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?
The TikTok loving teen and others killed in Myanmar
Myanmar's public healthcare system accounts for around 80% of all hospitals and clinics and provides heavily subsidised care to the country's 54 million people.
This virtually vanished overnight - and in the midst of a global pandemic.
"It's a grim situation," says Dr Mitchell Sangma, who is on the ground for humanitarian organisation Medicins San Frontiers (MSF) in Myanmar's main city Yangon. "The public health system is near collapse."
But doctors feel they have little choice.
"For as long as the military junta stays in power I will not return to work," says Kyi Kyi* a doctor in Mandalay who has been on strike for nearly three months.
"I do not want to recognise their authority in any way."
For the first few weeks after the coup, Kyi Kyi offered free consultations at private sector hospitals.
But she quickly realised this was too dangerous: "We started seeing soldiers stationed around the hospitals, waiting for us to arrive."..."
Source/publisher:
BBC News (London)
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Anti-coup protesters, Health Workers Strike, Spring Revolution, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, violations of, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Freedom of Movement, violations of in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
371.7 KB
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Summary:
"In the wake of Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021, the UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals a warning on food and nutrition.
In the wake of Myanmar’s military...
Description:
"In the wake of Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021, the UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals a warning on food and nutrition.
In the wake of Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021, the UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals a warning about the rapidly deteriorating food and nutrition security of thousands of migrant workers and their children in impoverished peri-urban Yangon. As the political crisis continues to unfold, families, who were already surviving on the edge prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, are now living in growing insecurity, facing the complete loss of or reduced income, limited access to food amidst skyrocketing food prices and barriers to accessing health services. The threat of an emerging nutrition and health crisis in peri-urban Yangon is real as thousands of people, women and children in particular, can no longer meet their basic food and healthcare needs.
Even before the arrival of COVID-19, only 40 per cent of the Myanmar population could afford a diet that met their nutrient needs.[1] In some pockets of the country, including peri-urban Yangon, the nutrition context before 2020 reflected particular vulnerability including a high rate of child wasting (9.3%), stunting (28.8%) and maternal underweight (13.7%) while the coverage of essential nutrition and health services was low in Yangon’s informal settlements. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically worsened the nutrition situation with estimations suggesting an additional 110,000 children under-five have become wasted. The ongoing political crisis will certainly trigger a further stark increase in hunger and child malnutrition, particularly among a growing number of vulnerable households in peri-urban townships.
Access to food is becoming harder
The widespread closure of markets, shops and grocery stores has limited access to food, especially for the most vulnerable families. Where food is available, prices are rising, particularly for staple foods such as rice, oil and fuel which have already gone up on average by 10-15 per cent and continue rising, intensifying the food insecurity of the poorest families. Many families struggle to afford basic foodstuffs, let alone all those other food products that make up a diverse, nutrient-dense diet. This puts nutritionally vulnerable groups, particularly young children, adolescents and women of reproductive age at greater risk of undernutrition.
A mother of a six-day old infant in Shwe Pyi Tar said, “I really want to have meat sometimes, but it is not affordable for me.”
Loss of income is widespread
At the same time, workers in peri-urban Yangon are facing significantly reduced income.“None of my family members has a job now. My husband used to drive a sand truck before... We are not financially secure at the moment,” said a mother of a fifteen-month-old in Shwe Pyi Tar.
Many of the factories that sustain peri-urban families have shut down due to reduced orders and supply chain issues; while others face significant cash flow issues. This has led to significant numbers of workers (primarily migrant women) losing their employment altogether with many factories refusing, or unable, to pay outstanding wages.
Facing food shortages, loss of work, and increasing violence, many of the migrants previously employed in the industrial sector have left Yangon, affecting incomes of many smallholder urban vendors. For those who remain, there are further challenges to livelihoods as many are facing debt or have had their assets destroyed. For those who have managed to save money in bank accounts or who are reliant on social protection schemes, there are challenges in accessing cash, as most bank branches are closed. Khin is the head of a twelve person household (with 9 adults and 3 children), which relies on the salary of two adults. She said that although they can purchase food now, they cannot access their money, as banks are closed and ATMs are not reliable.
Reductions in income coupled with movement restrictions further hinder people’s access to healthcare, medicine and other basic needs.
Nutrition and health services are at standstill
In many parts of the city, health facilities are either not functioning or performing at reduced capacity. Difficulties crossing townships mean that health professionals cannot reach patients; this is a particular problem for midwives unable to provide safe and sanitary conditions for pregnant women to deliver their babies and HIV-positive individuals who face challenges accessing HIV services and antiretroviral medication. Even where facilities do function, lack of or reduced resources, military occupation of public hospitals, and restrictions in movement lead to limited or lack of access to routine and emergency nutrition and health services including pre and postnatal care, treatment of malnutrition, breastfeeding counseling, and immunizations, among other services.
A mother of a six-month-old child reported that, “due to the political situation, we are afraid to go to clinics and hospitals now.”
Rise in violence against women
With many peri-urban townships under martial law, communities are facing aggression and random acts of violence on the streets, at workplaces, and increasingly in their homes. Women garment workers have taken a predominant position in demonstrations against the military. In addition to facing the violent crackdown of such demonstrations, there is an increase in incidents of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, which poses another threat to women and children’s nutrition security.
Insecurity is causing spikes in psychosocial stress
Escalating violence affects women’s health and caregiving capacity. Moreover, children’s mental health and wellbeing is a major concern, as children have now been out of school for one year and are surrounded by an increasingly insecure context.
A young mother in Yangon’s industrial zone said, “I feel depressed due to shortage of money. Adults are scared and my baby cries all the time because of the noise at night.”
Coordinated nutrition response is required for peri-urban Yangon
To prevent the sharp increase in hunger and malnutrition, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) is engaging with partners to scope out immediate needs and respond in close coordination with the Access to Health Fund and the Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience Programme Facility (HARP-F). Partners are mobilising to support a series of social protection interventions such as in-kind transfers, vouchers and/or cash transfers, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and treatment of severe acute malnutrition in the absence of functional public services. Response will also focus on ensuring widespread access to safe water and sanitation services and facilities to safeguard health and nutrition. Wherever possible, Social Behaviour Change Communication will continue to support the adoption of positive nutrition, health and hygiene behaviours. This will be combined with legal counseling, psychosocial support and child protection interventions, such as counseling services to women, children, youth and others who have been exposed to physical or emotional trauma. Where available, shelter accomodation will also be offered to the most vulnerable..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Office for Project Services (Copenhagen) "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Right to food: reports of violations in Burma
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"The National Unity Government, Republic of the Union of Myanmar mandated the Union Minister, Ministry of Health has formulated a strategic healthcare plan (abridged) for the interim period of six months, from April to September 2021, to provide the public with a
quintessential healthcare system. The guiding principles of this strategic healthcare plan is based upon the Federal Democratic Charter’s vision and mission of providing Universal Health
Coverage under a Federal Healthcare System.
The pillars of this Strategic Healthcare Plan are as follows:
1. Community Health System
Charity workers are to be the frontline healthcare providers in the community health system. With the help of the regional development associations, other development partners and charitable groups in the area, we intend to provide basic health care. For this to happen healthcare committees and healthcare support groups are to be established.....
2. Leadership and Governance
Decentralization shall be part of the process to be able provide Universal Health Coverage under the Federal Healthcare System. The Health Ministry shall be at the helm to help realise this objective. The Ministry shall help coordinate funding and assistance from
international organisations. In addition, evidence of the military dictatorship’s violations of healthcare workers’ human rights shall be formally documented and presented in a court of law.....3. Service Delivery Regular healthcare programmes that are fundamental in a healthcare system (Maternal and Perinatal healthcare, Vaccination programmes, Nutritional health and development, HIV
programmes, anti*Tuberculosis programmes, Malaria campaigns, Communicable and Noncommunicable diseases programmes, Mental Health, Trauma Care) will be accomplished initially. Patient Referral Systems will also be established. These programmes
will be organised in partnership with the government hospitals, private hospitals, Ethnic Health Organisations and Civic societies. Modern communications systems such as Telehealth and e-Health will also be incorporated into the healthcare system. In providing
healthcare, Federal Democracy Charter’s edict, equity and conflict sensitivity will be adhered to with utmost importance.....4. Health Workforce All healthcare workers, doctors, healthcare workers in the private sector, non-government organisations, traditional medicine organisations, civic societies, societies in villages, wards
and tracts are all taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement united as one empowering the interest of the populace. It is also to be noted that the medical diaspora abroad, with their expertise and support, is an important valuable asset to the workforce.....5. Health Information System Using the modern Information Technology, we shall set up systems and networks whereby information, knowledge and administrative data can be efficiently shared.....6. Medical Products and Technologies As long as COVID-19 is still prevalent in Myanmar, with the need to restart the vaccination
programme, we will need to acquire the vaccines with the assistance of the World Health Organisation and other friendly organisations. In addition, we will need to keep important diseases like HIV, TB, and Malaria at bay by effective planning.....7. Health Financing
The tax revenue not contributed to the military regime, can be diverted towards the Strategic Healthcare Plan. Donations from friendly countries will need to be used wisely and proportioned equitably where needed. Villages, wards, and tracts would all need to keep
emergency funds set aside for emergency healthcare purposes.
For the Strategic Healthcare Plan to be endorsed, innovative thinking and methods together with a plan for a future healthcare system that will be resilient to pandemics and conflicts had to be formulated. This future healthcare system shall be the mainstay as a bridge for peace,
for all, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, social status, education, etc., with no impediment to equity and social inclusion. For this to materialise we shall work together, hand in hand, with United Nations Agencies, development partners, doctors, private healthcare personnel, non-government organisations, ethnic healthcare organisations, civic societies and organisations in the villages and wards. Ministry of Health National Unity Government..."
Source/publisher:
National Unity Government of Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf pdf
Size:
46.55 KB 348.35 KB
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Description:
"1. Front the time the Committee Representing Pyithu Hluttaw came into being in February
2021, personnel from the soon to be Ministry of Health had been involved in forming the
National Unity Government with the ultimate aim of building a Federal Democratic Union.
At the same time short term plans were laid down to establish the universal healthcare
system that is available to all the denizens and long term health policies were also being
examined.....
2. The Ministry congratulates each and every one of the healthcare workers who have been
taking in the Civil Disobedience Movement. The Ministry duly pledges that the positions,
appointments you hold will be kept open for you. You, the public, also rejected and
rebuffed the healthcare provided for by the military regime. The Ministry offers its
condolences to all the staff and heroes of the whole nation who had fallen due to the brutal
suppression by the junta. In addition, those healthcare workers, who without due
consideration for their own safety, looked after the wounded and the injured and those who
had been arbitrarily arrested, we hope that they are to be released soon and give
encouragement in your fight against the military dictatorship.....
3. Those personnel who have been forcefully removed and have become internally displaced
persons; we shall provide healthcare as soon as is feasible. In addition, we will unite, direct
and care for those whose care facilities have been forcibly closed and healthcare
programmes that are essential to the public, for all to be safely reinstated in the short term
during the interim period of the National Unity Government.....
4. We, therefore, will institute disease prevention programmes and primary care programmes,
trauma care and COVID-19 prevention programmes in the first instance. Tele-consultations
and telemedicine, webinars etc., will play a major part in implementing modern
telecommunications methods in healthcare. To invest in those essential and indispensable
modern means and methods discussion will have to take place with friendly organisations
and donors.....
5. In the long run with the help of all concerned we, hand in hand, will work towards Universal
Health Care (UHC) which will form the basis of the healthcare system in the Federal
Democratic Union. All Ethnic Health Organisations will equally become part of the national
healthcare workforce. We shall all join forces with other health related organisations such
as UN agencies, multinational health organisations, civil societies such Community Based
Organisations/Civil Society Organisations, intellectuals, experts etc and regional leaders and
work together in solidarity.....
6. During the interim period of the National Unity Government, the ministry shall openly
inform the general public of the healthcare choices available to them.....
7. As the Federal Health System is to be the mainstay of our future Nation, we all shall work
together openly with transparency to establish the system. The Ministry vows to strenuously
take part in the building of the future Federal Democratic Union and its Universal
Healthcare System.
Ministry of Health
National Unity Government..."
Source/publisher:
National Unity Government of Myanmar
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf pdf pdf
Size:
668.38 KB 33.19 KB 31.9 KB
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Sub-title:
Medical staff accuse military chiefs of prioritising their own interests above those of the public during the pandemic
Description:
"Staff at dozens of hospitals across Myanmar stopped working on Wednesday as part of a growing civil disobedience campaign, one of the first organised acts of defiance against the military after it ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Health workers in 70 hospitals and medical departments in Naypyidaw, Yangon and other towns and cities said they would not work under the military regime, accusing the generals of placing their own priorities above those of ordinary people during the pandemic.
“We refuse to obey any order from the illegitimate military regime who demonstrated they do not have any regards for our poor patients,” the organisers said. A Facebook page coordinating the campaign accumulated nearly 150,000 followers in just 24 hours. “They will not stop this movement until the elected government is restored,” said Kyaw, a surgeon at West Yangon general hospital who has gone on strike.
“I am upset about being apart from the patients, but I have no regrets, knowing that I did my best to help fight the pandemic,” he said, adding that he had resigned from the government hospital were he worked.
Doctors are instead treating patients in their homes and at private clincis. The All Burma Federation of Students Union has also urged other government workers to strike.
There have been no reports of street demonstrations against the army, but anger is simmering among the public, who lived under repressive military regimesfor five decades.
On Wednesday night, the clanging of pots and pans echoed through the main city of Yangon, as people took to their balconies in a symbolic protest against the military. On social media, many adopted red profile pictures to signal their loyalty to Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent nearly 15 years in detention as she campaigned against military rule before being released in 2010. Within Myanmar, she is widely revered as a heroine of democracy, despite international condemnation over her treatment of the Rohingya..."
Source/publisher:
"The Guardian" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2021-02-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against several groups, National and State constitutions, draft constitutions and amendments (commentary), The 2020 General Elections in Burma/Myanmar, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Public Health, Health Workers Strike
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Description:
"Myanmar on Friday (Jan 22) received 1.5 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine supplied by India to inoculate 750,000 people, the first vaccine batch delivered to the Southeast Asian country as it fights one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the region.
India is donating millions of doses of vaccines to a string of countries in Asia, drawing praise from neighbours and pushing back against China's dominating presence in the region. Shipments of AstraZeneca’s vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, have already gone to the Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
READ: Sanitation worker gets first shot as India launches 'world's largest' COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Myanmar was among the countries next in line to get free consignments as India moved before China which has also pledged to supply vaccines to its neighbour.
"This is a gift from India to Myanmar," Saurabh Kumar, India's ambassador to Myanmar, told reporters at Yangon airport, where he oversaw the arrival of the vaccine. Myanmar health ministry spokeswoman Khin Khin Gyi said the vaccine would be kept in Yangon in special refrigerated rooms before being rolled out next week.
"Healthcare workers will be first priority and elderly people will be next," she said, noting Myanmar has more than 110,000 medical workers.
Despite the arrival of vaccines, Khin Khin Gyi urged people in Myanmar not to get complacent and follow health protocols to prevent further spread of the virus..."
Source/publisher:
"CNA" ( Singapore)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-23
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Beijing will "pressingly" deliver COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar to help its Asian neighbor control the pandemic, according to Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.
Just on Sunday alone, Myanmar's Ministry of Health and Sports reported 555 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally to 130,604.
"I believe the friendship between China and Myanmar will deepen further through test of the COVID-19 pandemic," Wang told Myanmar President U Win Myint in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar. The Chinese diplomat has just embarked on his six-day Southeast Asia tour, just a day after his Africa visit.
On his part, the Myanmar president first spoke highly of the relationship between the two countries. "Although in time of a global pandemic, [Wang] still came visit as one of the first [diplomats]," he said.
He also vowed to deepen the ties and is willing to cooperate with Beijing in sectors including COVID-19 vaccine, culture and tourism..."
Source/publisher:
CGTN (China)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-12
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health, China-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
Border opens to prevent Thais sneaking back in
Description:
"The border district of Mae Sot is on alert for a large number of Thais working in a casino in Myawaddy to flee the continued spread of the coronavirus in Myanmar.
Opas Kankawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, expected hundreds of Thai workers at a casino in the cross-border town to move back through the district in Tak soon after the province temporarily reopens the checkpoint to allow them through.
“We have estimated hundreds of Thais are stuck there. We don’t know how many of them have been infected,” a video clip posted on the department Facebook page on Sunday quoted him as saying. The latest batch of Thai returnees -- believed to number 40 -- arrived on Thursday. Seventeen of them tested positive and were sent to Mae Sot Hospital. They worked for the Sky Complex casino, just across the Moei River that separates Mae Sot and Myawaddy..."
Source/publisher:
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-11
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A coronavirus outbreak in Tachileik has shone a rare spotlight on border-based hotels, KTVs and casinos with links to powerful armed groups, whose open flouting of pandemic restrictions has put Myanmar and Thailand in danger.
Description:
"On November 25, Ma Nang, 18, lost her sense of smell.
Known as anosmia, it is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. In hotspots across Myanmar, thousands of people have reported losing their sense of smell, and many have later tested positive for the coronavirus.
But Ma Nang was not in a COVID-19 hotspot, and had neither travelled to an area with COVID-19 cases nor seemingly been in contact with any infected people.
The resident of Tachileik, in eastern Shan State on the border with Thailand’s Mae Sai, had been working as a KTV singer at 1G1-7 Hotel until November 16, when she quit her job. She travelled north to Kengtung for a few days with friends but fell ill after returning to her hometown.
“I went to a fever clinic but I wasn’t worried – there were no cases in Tachileik,” Ma Nang said. “I was shocked when the test came back positive.”
Until her positive test, Tachileik, which is sometimes referred to as the capital of the Golden Triangle – the notoriously lawless area where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet – had seemingly escaped Myanmar’s “second wave” of COVID-19. Since the first cases emerged in Rakhine State and Yangon in late August, the virus has gradually spread across most of the country. Eastern Shan State is one of the few exceptions: it has recorded the lowest number of cases outside Kayah State, which only registered its first patient in October.
In the week before Ma Nang tested positive, several other cases had been detected in Tachileik but they had all been among people undergoing quarantine, with no evidence to suggest the virus had spread in the community.
In response to her positive test, the Tachileik District COVID-19 Prevention and Rapid Response committee issued a notice on November 28 advising residents to stay at home, to adhere to a curfew and not to hold gatherings. Restaurants were told to only sell take-away, and anyone with COVID-19 symptoms was advised to immediately visit a fever clinic. Residents needed little warning; the streets would be mostly deserted for the next two weeks. “Of course, I’m worried about the virus,” said U San Shwe Myint, owner of Happy restaurant. “In the circumstances I decided it would be better to close my restaurant completely.”
By mid-December the outbreak was mostly under control, with few new cases of community transmission. But the emergence of COVID-19 in eastern Shan State raises serious questions about the enforcement of prevention measures, including the closure of high-risk venues, monitoring of overland travellers and control of international borders..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-05
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"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of millions across Myanmar, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is expanding its support to the Government of Myanmar's national response.
On 16 December, UNHCR handed over 50,000 Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test kits to the Union Ministry of Health and Sports in Nay Pyi Taw.
The arrival of the test kits adds on to an earlier contribution of 20,000 kits by UNHCR and WFP in July. Collectively, over 145,000 test kits have been handed over to Government by the wider United Nations system as part of a joint response to date.
“UNHCR continues to support the Government’s nationwide efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left out”, said UNCHR Representative in Myanmar Ms. Hai Kyung Jun.
The Refugee Agency has so far equipped over 400 quarantine centres with basic items such as beds, blankets, kitchen sets and hygiene kits, and distributed 685,200 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line workers and vulnerable communities, including gloves, masks, disposable gowns and face shields. An additional batch of 367,000 N95 masks is expected to arrive by the end of the year and will be distributed to counterpart ministries.
UNHCR has also stepped-up campaigns to raise awareness on COVID-19 prevention in camps and sites for internally displaced people and stateless persons, as well as health, water, sanitation and hygiene services in these locations by installing new water points and distributing hygiene items such as soap and hand sanitizer.
To date, over 670,000 people across Kachin, Rakhine and Shan states as well as the South East region of Myanmar have benefitted from the collective efforts of the Government, UNHCR, sister UN agencies and partner humanitarian organizations in providing life-saving assistance to those in need..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Sub-title:
The latest outbreak was first detected at a seafood market near Bangkok, prompting a flare-up in online hate speech.
Description:
"“Wherever you see Myanmar people, shoot them down,” read one Thai comment on YouTube after a surge of coronavirus cases among workers from Myanmar.
The outbreak, first detected at a seafood market near Bangkok, has prompted a surge in online hate speech as well as questions over Thailand’s treatment of millions of migrant workers.....“Myanmar people are being labelled for transmitting COVID-19, but the virus doesn’t discriminate,” said Sompong Srakaew of the Labour Protection Network, a Thai group helping migrant workers.
Shifting sentiment has had real consequences, he said, with workers from Myanmar, previously known as Burma, being blocked from buses, motorcycle taxis and offices.....“Myanmar people are being labelled for transmitting COVID-19, but the virus doesn’t discriminate,” said Sompong Srakaew of the Labour Protection Network, a Thai group helping migrant workers.
Shifting sentiment has had real consequences, he said, with workers from Myanmar, previously known as Burma, being blocked from buses, motorcycle taxis and offices..."
Source/publisher:
"Al Jazeera" (Qatar)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Discrimination: standards and mechanisms, Thailand-Burma relations, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"The Ministry of Health and Sports said that 15 died of dengue in June and July this year. Most of the victims of dengue are from the age group of 5-9.
Ministry of Health and Sports Deputy Director and Dengue Prevention Project Manager Dr. Nay Yee Yee Lynn said that dengue fever was caused by a virus and this disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquito. The patient may die of dengue when infected. We need to distinguish between dengue and COVID-19 when the patient gets fever.”
The high prevalence of this virus is mostly found in Sagaing Region, Shan State (East), Mon State and Karen State..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-31
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Dengue, Public Health
Language:
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Description:
"Myanmar reported three more imported cases of COVID-19 on Friday night, bringing the total number of infections to 346, according to the Health and Sports Ministry.
The newly-confirmed cases are under quarantine in Chin and Kayin states after their recent arrivals from India and Thailand.
According to the ministry, 286 patients have recovered as of Friday.
Myanmar reported its first two confirmed cases on March 23, and the death toll stands at six..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"On International Workers’ Day, May 1, President U Win Myint offered a statement about the government’s commitment to tranquil workplaces, fair and proper dispute settlement processes, freedom for independent trade unions, and workers’ safety through tripartite efforts. However, the message had a caveat: “You [Workers] also need to be especially aware that outside instigators can incite unlawful demonstrations and unrest for personal or political gains.” Indeed, if the government is effectively protecting labor rights and is dedicated to tripartite efforts, then there seems no need or justification for protest. But the government’s rhetoric is a far cry from reality.
The government has, in fact, dismissed unionists’ suggestions, disregarded their formal disputes, and used COVID-19 to justify intimidation and arrests of protestors. Employers have ignored COVID-19 related concerns raised by unionists, exploited their inability to strike, and used the pandemic as an opportunity to sack unionists en masse. The government and employers have weaponized COVID-19 to union-bust so that unionists have had to scramble and employ different tactics to protect themselves and other workers..."
Source/publisher:
"Teacircleoxford" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-11
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"Myanmar Vice-President Henry Van Thio says the country is unlikely to open to international commercial passenger flights until October.
At a meeting of the National Tourism Development Central Committee on Tuesday, the vice-president said that airports are expected to resume operations for international commercial passenger flights only after the third quarter of this year.
The Myanmar government has said that when airports can resume operation, it will announce the reopening of its tourism sector to ASEAN and Asian countries. The government also plans to take part in “travel bubbles” with Thailand and Vietnam, including direct flights to and from Myanmar.
“Travel bubbles” are exclusive partnerships between countries that have demonstrated considerable success in containing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic within their respective borders. The program will allow people to travel within the zone without having to undergo quarantines on arrival.
The vice-president also said that, if the initial travel agreements are successful, the Myanmar government will establish travel bubbles with Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macao, as he said they have achieved considerable success in containing the coronavirus.
Myanmar has banned all international commercial passenger flights since March 31. The government has extended the ban a number of times since then, with the latest ban in effect until July 31. Relief, cargo, medical evacuation and special flights approved by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) as well as domestic flights, however, are not affected by the ban..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-11
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"A girl wearing a face mask plays with soap bubbles at a park in downtown Yangon, Myanmar, July 7, 2020. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar has increased to 316, with three more confirmed cases on Monday, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Sports..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-07
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"Seven new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Myanmar, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 313 as of Saturday, according to latest figures released by the Health and Sports Ministry.
The newly confirmed cases were returnees who are under facility quarantine in Yangon region after their recent arrivals from India, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand and Singapore, the ministry's release said.
As of Saturday, a total of 81,977 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country and 240 patients have recovered.
Myanmar reported its first two cases of COVID-19 on March 23 with six deaths so far..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-06
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"Myanmar has experienced a relatively lower number (290 as of 22 June 2020) of COVID-19 cases compared to many other countries, but the socioeconomic impacts of the government-imposed restrictions are having severe impacts on the population, especially older women and men. While the restrictions officially remain in place, many people cannot get by without a regular income and have returned to work, raising fears about a second wave. For government and humanitarian actors to understand the consequences of the restrictions for older people, HelpAge International in Myanmar conducted a multi-sector rapid needs assessment in May 2020 to inform programming and policy decisions..."
Source/publisher:
HelpAge via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-06
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
Format :
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Sub-title:
The total number of patients infected with COVID-19 in Myanmar has exceeded 300 after the health ministry at 8pm on July 1 reported four new cases from returnees.
Description:
"These include a 38-year-old man, Case-300 in the ministry’s list, who lives in Hlegu township and a 24-year-old man, Case-301, from Kaya township in Yangon. They are both returnees from the United Arab Emirates and were undergoing facility quarantine at a centre in South Dagon township when they tested positive. The ministry says they did not have contact with a positive patient upon arriving in Myanmar.
The other two patients are also from Yangon and they are a 28-year-old man, Case-302, from Thaketa and a 32-year-old man, Case-303, from Taikkyi. The two returned from England and did not have contact with a COVID-19 patient in Myanmar. They were also undergoing facility quarantine at a center in Hlegu Township when they tested positive. All four have been admitted to the South Okkalapa Specialist Hospital for treatment.
Myanmar has so far reported 303 COVID-19 cases including six deaths and 222 recoveries.
From May 16 to July 1 at 8pm, a total of 117 returnees have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the health ministry.
These comprise 50 returnees from India, 23 from Thailand, 17 from Malaysia, ten from the United Arab Emirates, nine from Bangladesh, three from Qatar, two from Italy, two from England and one from China..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-02
[field_licence]
Type:
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Description:
"Twelve cases confirmed in Rakhine State with one local transmission from a known contact in Buthidaung Township and eight among people with travel history in Bangladesh.
• Limited local transmission with majority of cases confirmed among returning migrants. No cases have been reported in camps for internally displaced people (IDP) or displacement sites. A total of 293 cases, six fatalities and 215 recoveries have been confirmed across the country.
• More than 111,600 migrant workers have returned, including 71,735 from Thailand since March, per the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Four humanitarian flights arrived in Myanmar in June, carrying sets of protective items, medical supplies as well as humanitarian and relief personnel.
• Nearly 1,000 schools in conflict-affected areas used as quarantine facilities are disinfected and being prepared for classes as Government plans to reopen schools in mid-July.
• Preparedness and response activities across camps and displacement sites, as well as in quarantine centers, continue by government and humanitarian actors.
• The Addendum to the 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) has been revised, with a total of 915,000 people targeted and financial requirements of US$275.3 million.
• A total of US$54 million has been contributed to the 2020 HRP, including $15 million to the COVID-19 Addendum– FTS..."
Source/publisher:
OCHA (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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"The Myanmar government has lifted the stay-at-home orders in all designated townships after seeing no new COVID-19 cases in the areas, a health official told Xinhua on Tuesday.
The government imposed partial lockdown, named "Stay at Home" in 10 townships of Yangon region and one in Sagaing region as the townships registered most infection cases of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, Insein, one of the townships in Yangon region, was last removed from the stay-at-home measures while others were removed separately in May and earlier this month.
"We have brought the pandemic under control to some extent in the country, with everyone's participation," said Director of Health Literacy Promotion Unit, Public Health Department under the Health and Sports Ministry, Than Naing Soe.
Meanwhile, Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said in a post on social media on Monday that the effective measures may prevent the country from the second wave of COVID-19 in a couple of months while restrictions of mass gatherings are still in effect and urged people to be alert of asymptomatic transmissions.
According to the ministry's figures, Myanmar has reported 299 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with six deaths while the number of recovered patients reaches 221 as of Tuesday morning..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-30
[field_licence]
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Description:
"As of 29 June 2020, there have been 299 confirmed cases, including six fatalities and 218 recoveries across the country. The rate of local transmission has been low so far with cases confirmed mainly among people returning from abroad..."
Source/publisher:
OCHA (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-30
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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The government’s efforts to improve its testing capacity for COVID-19 is moving at a snail’s pace due to a lack of money, with a laboratory in Lashio township in Shan State unlikely to be ready for at least three months.
Description:
"While Myanmar has so far effectively mitigated the spread of the disease through quarantines, contact-tracing and targeted lockdowns, testing remains one of the most effective ways of quickly identifying cases.
Myanmar has five testing centres – one in Mandalay, one in Mawlamyine in Mon State, and three in Yangon, which is the epicentre of the virus outbreak in the country.
As of June 28, these laboratories had tested 71,692 people, according to the Health and Sports Ministry.
Dr Than Soe Naing, director of the ministry, said it would take about three months for Lashio township to get its own COVID-19 tests as the laboratory isn’t finished yet. But he added that the testing facility in Taunggyi township in Shan could start operating early next month. Dr Thuzar Chit Tin, head of the state’s Public Health Department, said a donor who was supposed to finance construction of the laboratory in Taunggyi had backed out, so the Shan government had to find other funding sources..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-29
[field_licence]
Type:
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
" Myanmar authorities have brought back 5,171 Myanmar nationals home from abroad by relief flights as of Thursday, according to a release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Due to the suspension of international commercial flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been making efforts to bring back its citizens stranded in foreign countries, in cooperation with the authorities concerned.
On Thursday morning, 143 Myanmar citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain arrived at the Yangon International Airport.
It was learnt that a total of 139 Myanmar nationals including 28 seamen from the Philippines and 15 nationals including seamen from Bangladesh will arrive late on Thursday.
According to the release, all returnees will be put under quarantine at designated facilities or hotels in Yangon region for 21 days on their arrivals.
Myanmar has reported 293 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with six deaths as of Thursday, said the latest figures by the Health and Sports Ministry..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-26
[field_licence]
Type:
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Sub-title:
The international aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has wound down a 17-year HIV programme in Yangon, transferring about 17,000 patients to government care, an official of the Geneva-based group said in a statement on June 22.
Description:
"The project has provided free medical treatment for HIV patients with antiretroviral (ARV) therapy at its clinic in Thaketa township since 2003.
The statement said the transfer “represents a milestone for both the MSF and for Myanmar, underlining the country’s growing capacity to provide ARV treatment to people living with HIV.” “The Yangon project ... also followed up by piloting onsite treatment for co-infections,” said Pavlo Kolovos, MSF’s head of mission in Myanmar. “Our free of charge [multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis] treatment was piloted in 2009 and hepatitis C treatment followed in 2016.”
“This represents a unique and innovative model of care, and MSF continues to advocate for these approaches to be taken up by other HIV care providers,” he added.
MSF gave free medical treatment at clinics in Hlaing Tharyar, Insein and Thaketa townships. It also delivered medicine to patients who couldn’t come to a clinic, as well as mental health help, said Dr Soe Yadanar, the Thaketa clinic’s manager. U Tin Tun, a patient, said he has been treated by MSF for more than 15 years.
MSF cured more than 60,000 people in Kachin State, Shan State and Tanintharyi Region, and transferred nearly 25,000 patients from 2016 to December 2019.
MSF will continue providing HIV treatment and prevention measures targeting vulnerable groups and infected people in Kachin, Shan and Tanintharyi, and will remain in Yangon..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-25
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
HIV/AIDS - Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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Description:
"Myanmar saw a decline in number of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever cases in first five months of this year, compared to the corresponding period of last year, a health official said on Wednesday.
From January to May this year, the country registered 1,408 dengue infections with 11 deaths, while 2,283 cases were reported with 13 deaths in the same period of last year, said Nay Yi Yi Lin, project manager of Dengue Fever Prevention and Control Program and deputy director of the Public Health Department under the Health and Sports Ministry.
Regionally, the mosquito-borne dengue fever cases were mostly reported in Sagaing, Mandalay, Yangon, Magway regions and Mon state.
The ministry has carried out preventive measures against common monsoon diseases including vector-borne diseases since early April, the project manager said.
The health ministry is making strenuous efforts to accelerate preventive and control measures against the dengue fever with a national plan to reduce the infection and mortality rates.
According to the ministry's figures, Myanmar reported over 23,000 dengue fever cases with over 100 deaths last year.
Dengue fever is transmitted by the bites of the Aedes mosquito and mostly occurs in the months of June, July and August of Myanmar's rainy season..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-25
[field_licence]
Type:
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Category:
Dengue, Public Health
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Description:
"Since March 2020, the Karen National Union (KNU) has been organizing a widespread campaign to
protect communities in their areas against Covid-19. They have organised virus prevention trainings
for health personnel in each district, and distributed protective materials and thermometers. These
personnel have conducted health awareness campaigns, and, together with local communities, set up
screening checkpoints on key access roads for anyone entering their areas.
This rapid mobilizing was made possible by the KNU health department’s long experience in developing
responsive, culturally appropriate programming in rural areas, as necessitated by decades of civil war
and structural flaws in the Burmese government health system – whose rigid centralized approach has
proven woefully inefficient and unaccountable in addressing basic health needs of ethnic populations.
By April, the KNU Covid-19 Response Team had set up 49 screening posts in seven districts, including
along the Thai-Burma border.
But in the last week of April, the Burma Army began shutting down these Karen screening posts. Four
posts were ordered shut in Doothahtoo (Thaton) district (KNU Brigade 1), and on May 6, the Burma Army
set fire to two checkpoints in southern Mutraw (Hpa-pun) district (KNU Brigade 5), causing armed clashes
with the KNU and displacing over 480 villagers from Wa Tho Khoh village, where the Burma Army had shot
and injured two elderly civilians in January this year. . On June 2, another screening post was destroyed by
the Burma Army in Kler Lwe Htoo (Nyaunglebin) district (KNU Brigade 3)..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) via Burma Campaign UK
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Language:
Format :
pdf pdf
Size:
779.07 KB 1.12 MB
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Description:
"A total of 286 cases with six fatalities and 187 recoveries have been confirmed in Myanmar. Sixteen cases have been confirmed in Rakhine State, including six with recent travel history in Bangladesh. Contacts are being traced and identified contacts are in quarantine.
• Two cases confirmed among healthcare workers in Momauk Township of Kachin State and in Muse Township of northern Shan State - two of three local transmissions in June so far. No cases have been confirmed in camps or sites for internally displaced people (IDPs).
• Close to 100,000 migrants returned between 22 March to 10 June, according to IOM, with some 62,650 of this returning from Thailand.
Small scale returns continue to be recorded on a daily basis.
• Government and humanitarian partners continue to undertake COVID-19 preparedness and response, while maintaining life-saving humanitarian operations across camps and displacement sites.
• The next iteration of 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan COVID Addendum is underway, with updated planning scenarios and figures, is expected to be finalized by end of June.
• Myanmar Humanitarian Fund has allocated US$3.8 million to 10 new projects, while 21 ongoing projects have been reprogrammed for a total of $0.35 million for COVID-19 preparedness and response..."
Source/publisher:
OCHA (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-23
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
Format :
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Sub-title:
Desperate for cash and low on work, rural households are turning to high-interest loans from informal moneylenders as microfinance companies are forced to cut back on credit.
Description:
"On May 11, a storm swept through a village in Magway Region and battered the house of Ko Win Kyaw Soe. The need for repairs was urgent, he said, but without the money to cover costs or the time to jump through the hoops of a microfinance loan application, he reluctantly turned to an illegal moneylender.
The decision has beckoned another storm – one of high interest rates and spiralling debt, and the possibility of threats and violence. But the economic turmoil brought by COVID-19 restrictions has left desperate borrowers like Win Kyaw Soe with little choice.
For Win Kyaw Soe, the monthly interest of 20 percent on the K100,000 sum to fix his home in Tat Kone village in Magway Township would have been steep at the best of times. But measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus had recently forced the temporary closure of the beer station where he was a waiter in Magway town, and for the time being he has no income.
“I’m not sure I can pay back the capital, much less the interest,” Win Kyaw Oo told Frontier. “But I will do my best to pay the interest, at least.” Support independent journalism in Myanmar. Sign up to be a Frontier member.
If he is unable to clear the loan within 30 days, he will have the choice of paying K20,000 to cover the interest or having it added to his loan. If he makes no repayments for 10 months, he will owe the principal plus K200,000 in interest.
The moneylenders who provide quick cash to people like Win Kyaw Oo in desperate situations are often portrayed as predatory, seeking to trap their clients in an ever-spiralling burden of debt.
But Win Kyaw Oo’s lender, who spoke to Frontier on the condition of anonymity, said this was exactly what she didn’t want. Yes, her interest rates are high, but this reflects the risk that she will not be paid back. And without such loans, people in need would have few other ways to access cash quickly, she added..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-19
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
" More than 8,000 people were prosecuted in nearly three months across the country for breaching COVID-19 rules, according to the President’s Office.
Myanmar reported the first COVID-19 cases on March 23 and has since reported 286 cases with six deaths and more than half of the patients recovering.
Several COVID-19 restrictions, including a ban on public events and large gatherings, suspension of travel visas and international flights were extended until June 30 after the continuation of imported cases as nationals returned from overseas and a few infections inside the country were reported.
President’s Office spokesman U Zaw Htay told the media on Friday that 8,470 people have faced action since late March under the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law and 176 people under the Natural Disaster Management Law.
Businesses which failed to follow the government’s coronavirus prevention instructions have also been prosecuted.
Violations have included assaulting and abusing health care workers, refusing to stay in or fleeing from quarantine centers, organizing religious gatherings and weddings or other defiance of the ban on gatherings and failing to follow nighttime curfews.
Last month, Yangon’s chief minister U Phyo Min Thein, his wife and members of his cabinet were reported with the Yangon police for allegedly breaking the Natural Disaster Management Law for attending a Buddhist event. The chief minister denied the accusations and the police did not accept the report.
The National League for Democracy told the media that it had warned the chief minister against breaching restrictions on gatherings.
The communicable diseases law carries a maximum punishment of six months in prison while those prosecuted under the disaster law can face up to three years in prison.
Topics: Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, coronavirus, COVID-19, Natural Disaster Management Law, Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law, quarantine..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-19
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One more Myanmar citizen returning from Bangladesh has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the health ministry at 8am on June 18. Meanwhile, six more patients are on the road to recovery.
Description:
"Myanmar has so far reported 263 COVID-19 cases including six deaths and 185 recoveries.
The latest patient is a 17-year-old Rakhine Muslim girl, Case-263, from Buthidaung township in Rakhine State. The girl was undergoing community-based facility quarantine at a centre in Buthidaung township where she tested positive. “[Case-263] is one of the family members of a 63-year-old Rakhine Muslim, Case-262, who entered to Maungdaw township from Bangladesh. According to our contact tracing of Case-262, we discovered a total of 34 close contacts. Case-263 was among those who tested positive,” Dr U Soe Win Paing, assistant director and spokeperson of the Rakhine State Public Health Department told The Myanmar Times.
“The remaining tested negative. The girl has now been admitted to Buthidaung General Hospital for treatment,” he added.
The Rakhine State Public Health Department also confirmed that 32 close contacts of Case-234, 47 close contacts of Case-244, nine close contacts of Case-247 and Case-248, and eight close contacts of Case-250 tested negative, according to National Health Laboratory (NHL) from Yangon. Up until June 18 morning 8am, Rakhine State has reported nine confirmed cases.
They are four returnees from Maungdaw, three from Buthidaung, one from Taunggok and one from Thandwe Township. Among them, a 35-year-old is on the road to recovery, the health ministry said on June 15. The recovered patient in Rakhine State is a returnee from Malaysia.
From January 31 to June 17, 1083 samples from Rakhine State have been sent over to NHL in Yangon for testing, according to the State Public Health Department..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-18
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"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought forward the role of the governments in not only addressing the health crisis but also on how to address issues of vulnerability and disruptions that the population has faced due to the restrictive measures related to public events, transport, trade, businesses and stay at home orders during the past three months to contain the spread of the virus.
In several parts of the world, the pandemic curve is still ascending and countries and their people are facing hardships of unimaginable proportions. Social protection has been identified as a significant short to medium term intervention. Call for universal basic income and social protection for all have come to the fore of conversations among economists, policymakers and activists across the globe.
Several advanced, as well as emerging economies, have identified the need for supporting the poor and vulnerable as well as the businesses as a policy response in order to stave off the adverse downturn of the economy. Both on the supply as well as the demand-side stimulus has been proposed. And this has opened up the limitations of market based economic development approach which could not cope with the impact of the pandemic which has not spared any sector. The increased role of the government in the economy can be seen from the way countries have responded swiftly by providing social protection to the poor and vulnerable during the pandemic. A global real-time review on social protection response of countries, compiled by World Bank and UNICEF staff, has identified that currently 195 countries/territories have planned or introduced social protection measures in response to COVID-19. Cash transfers, universal one-off cash disbursement, child care support and social pensions have been the measures taken by countries as social assistance programs to meet the needs of the vulnerable. Apart from these, in-kind food/vouchers for food, and school feeding programs and public works programs (food for work, cash for work) have also been initiated in order to stabilize the families. These support measures, ranging from 1 month to 12 months (with an average of 3 months) across the globe are estimated to reach to about 1.7 billion people (costing 0.4% of global GDP). While the amount of assistance may vary depending on the stage of development of the country, it is important to underscore that massive government intervention to stabilize incomes of the people is an important element of COVID-19 response across most countries. New stimulus measures in an advanced economy like the USA included cash transfers involving an average one-off payment of US$1200 to adult member and US$500 for a child to low earning families, emergency food stamps assistance, subsidized utility payments, paid sick leave and emergency withdrawals of old-age pension contributions, etc. In the USA new cash transfers are expected to reach 24 per cent of the population..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-16
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Another Rakhine man who returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Health and Sports Ministry at 8am on June 15.
Description:
"So far, Myanmar has reported a total of 262 COVID-19 cases including six deaths and 167 recoveries.
The latest case is a 63-year-old Rakhine Muslim man, Case-262, from Buthidaung township in Rakhine State. The man was undergoing the mandatory community-based facility quarantine at a centre in Buthidaung township, where he tested positive.
“[Case-262] entered to Maungdaw township from Bangladesh. Health workers accompanied him by ambulance to Buthidaung Hospital. Authorities are still currently tracing his contact history,” U Tun Aung Thein, a State legislator from Buthidaung constituency No 2 told The Myanmar Times.
The health ministry reported that the man did not have any contact with a positive patient. He has been admitted to Buthidaung General Hospital for treatment. “The patient currently lives in Buthidaung township. We have sent his five family members, who tested negative, to Hla Phoe Khaung Transit Camp. Moreover, 19 people who had close contacts with Case-262 are also being quarantined at the centre in Buthidaung. We’re currently tracing his contact history,” Dr U Soe Win Paing, spoke person of the Rakhine State Health Department said. So far, Rakhine State has reported eight confirmed cases of COVID-19. Four are from Maungdaw, two from Buthidaung, one from Taunggok and one from Thandwe township.
From May 16 to June 15 at 8pm, a total of 77 Myanmar citizens who returned from overseas have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. These comprise 45 returnees from India, 13 from Malaysia, eight from the United Arab Emirates, six from Bangladesh, two from Thailand, two from Italy, and one from China..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-16
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"As Myanmar’s efforts to contain the coronavirus continue, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi warned on Saturday that anyone who has illegally entered the country and anyone aiding them will face legal action.
“Those who come into the country illegally, those who receive them knowingly, and those who cover up will be dealt with strictly and severely according to the law,” she wrote, reiterating the government’s stance.
Prior to her warning, the National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 said Wednesday that some Myanmar nationals have reentered the country illegally, despite government efforts to process returnees at official reception centers in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The committee warned that “if anyone enters Myanmar through any unauthorized entry point from a foreign country and if such person has been accepted with the knowledge that such person has entered the country illegally, it is hereby notified that legal action would be taken in accordance with prevailing laws.”
Health care staff and authorities have been conducting temperature checks and health screenings of returnees at international airports, ports and border entry points. Since mid-May, all returnees have been placed into 21-day quarantine and tested for the coronavirus before being released.
As of Sunday, 27,502 migrants have returned to Myanmar through land borders from Thailand since May 23 and thousands more have returned from China. Since April 30, 3,762 Myanmar nationals have returned on repatriation flights.
“All of us need to prevent and severely restrict illegal border crossing,” the State Counselor wrote on her Facebook. She added, regarding those who entered illegally and did not go into quarantine, that “if they carry [COVID-19] disease, it could spread to others.”
She said that conducting contact tracing for illegal returnees and placing those who were potentially exposed into quarantine is “a huge burden” for the country but a necessary measure for the people’s safety..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-15
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"UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Unilever are working together to enhance sanitation and hygiene for families in need in Myanmar, including those in displacement settings and host communities. The multinational company has donated some 608,000 bars of soap to prevent COVID-19.
“Handwashing remains the most basic yet effective way to prevent the disease spreading,” said Cecile Fradot, Representative ad interim for UNHCR in Myanmar. “Ensuring those most vulnerable can clean their hands, can save lives, and I thank Unilever for this generous donation.”
Displaced people are among the most marginalized and vulnerable members of our community. They are particularly at risk during this coronavirus outbreak as they often live in close quarters with intergenerational families and may face limited access to water and sanitation systems and health facilities. The hygiene items have been dispatched to Kachin, northern Shan, Rakhine, as well as Kayah and Kayin states, and will be distributed in camp settings for displaced families and other communities in need. They will also be distributed to support health departments and local authorities mitigate against the infection and spread of COVID-19..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-14
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"While life in Yangon city appears to have returned to normal with the usual traffic congestion and reopening of restaurants and gyms, measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have nonetheless been further extended.
International flight restrictions to and from Yangon International Airport have been further extended to June 30 from June 15, according to the Department of Civil Aviation. This aligns with the latest decision by the National Central Committee for Prevention, Control, and Treatment of COVID-19 to further extend temporary measures to control the spread of the coronovirus in Myanmar to June 30 from June 15. Both announcements were made on June 12.
Other measures to manage COVID-19 are still in place. These include: 1. Compulsory wearing of face masks in public; 2. A Yangon-wide curfew between 12am to 4am;
3. Lockdowns at Insein and Mayangone townships;
4. Gatherings of five persons or more, with exemptions.
The latest exemptions are:
1. Performance of duties at government departments, organisations, companies, factories and workshops;
2. Attending government, private and monastic schools;
3. Attending seminars, meetings and training at government departments, organisations, companies, factories and workshops conducted in accordance with health ministry guidelines;
4. Dining at food and beverge outlets permitted to operate dine-in services by regional governments in accordance with health ministry guidelines;
5. Working at businesses deemed essential under a May 3 notification issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population. Other exemptions to the gathering of five or more person ban include traveling to and from the workplace or hospital, trading at permitted markets and malls, transport of goods, court proceedings and funeral affairs.
Meanwhile, all government staff have been ordered to return to work as usual, while basic education schools will reopen from mid-July. High schools will recommence on July 21, with primary and middle schools starting two weeks later. Many businesses, including factories, hotels and restaurants, have also been permitted to reopen after passing government inspections..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-13
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" Myanmar government announced late Friday further extension of effective period for preventive measures against COVID-19 until the end of June.
The national-level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment on COVID-19 issued the announcement of extension measures as part of efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
It was learnt that the extension will not have effect on the measures which were lifted, but measures such as restrictions of gathering five persons or above, mass gatherings and others continue to remain in effect.
Meanwhile, some restrictions have been lifted in the areas related to the operation of factories, workshops and workplaces.
Essential businesses related to public service sector are being allowed to operate in accordance with the guidelines, Yangon Region Social Affairs Minister Naing Ngan Lin told Xinhua.
All government staff have been ordered to return to work as usual earlier this month, after temporary restriction of half of the staff to stay at home in recent months.
Meanwhile, the government is planning to reopen basic education schools in mid-July, by classifying groups of schools -- some will be reopened in regular hours while others in shifts.
As of Saturday morning, Myanmar has reported 261 COVID-19 positive cases with six deaths, according to latest figures released by the Health and Sports Ministry..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-13
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Along with restaurants, bars and shops, it’s normal for gyms to close during Thingyan – Myanmar’s week-long new year’s celebrations.
Description:
"But this year, the government introduced stringent restrictions after the Thingyan holidays, effectively closing many businesses until the first week of June.
This included gyms, which have only just started to reopen – albeit with strict booking requirements, so as to avoid many patrons working out at the same time. Some have remained closed, however, leaving many owners and instructors without income or a place to stay in shape. But amidst the closures people started browsing platforms like YouTube for new home-based remedies. Some instructors took to the internet, seeking to recapture the minds and bodies of Myanmar’s energetic gym-goers, changing the way people dance, work-out and lift weights.
One such enterprising instructor was Ko Zayar Lynn, who can be seen in his trademark bright yellow stretch pants, punching out a Zumba rhythm to the beat of Burmese pop songs.
His videos were recorded during his popular classes at the Battle Ground Gym and Fitness Studio, but are now accessed by hundreds of students following his every move at home. “We can’t go to gym right now, as many have had to close. So, I created an online group for Zumba students so that they could work-out at home,” Ko Zayar Lynn said. His new company is called Stay Home Wellness.
“All the instructors were affected by the closures, and many weren’t even paid – so they had to quit their jobs. Before the pandemic I rented an apartment and turned it into a gym hall. The lease was for three years, but we only used it for eight months before being forced to close,” Ko Zayar Lynn said.
“It was depressing, but we still wanted to continue our classes, so we offered them to our students online,” said Ko Zayar Lynn..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-13
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"The Covid-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) that the government rolled out in the last week of April is a welcome initiative for a country that is suffering from both the assault of the novel coronavirus and the massive economic impact of the nationwide lockdown that the government has imposed to stop its spread. More than 50 measures were laid out in the 15-page document. But the plan is more of a wishful shopping-list, with only two items being assigned specific amounts: up to K500 billion (US$360 million) in loans for small- and medium-sized businesses in selected sectors; and K100 billion ($72 million) for trade financing. There are also a number of important measures for containing the novel coronavirus that are missing.
Logic of CERP is Unexplained
The narrative that explains the logic of the plan is absent. How the different measures are integrated is unclear. There is no prioritization of measures. Everything seems to be a priority so that, in effect, nothing is a priority. Without clear prioritization, allocating resources becomes a very haphazard process.
It has since become known that the total budget comes to 2.09 to 2.8 trillion kyat, or $1.5 to $2 billion. How this figure is arrived at is unknown but, comparing it to economic relief or stimulus packages in other countries, it is on the low side. It comes to less than 3 per cent of Myanmar’s GDP of $77 billion in 2019. In contrast, it has been reported that the economic relief fund of Thailand comes to almost 9 per cent of GDP and that of Singapore to 8 per cent. Perhaps what is coming in as emergency foreign aid from the World Bank and bilateral donors has not been factored in the CERP. But, even if one adds a generous figure of $1 billion in aid, that would make the CERP only slightly lower than 4 per cent of GDP..."
Source/publisher:
"TNI"
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-10
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"CSOs are essential for any country’s successful COVID-19 response. In Myanmar, civil society organisations are working quickly and efficiently on the frontlines, supporting the communities and Government in their immediate COVID-19 response. The CSOs receive both direct and indirect funding from various international organisations.
Of the 153 organisations engaged in LIFT’s COVID-19 response, 128 (or 84%) are local or national organisations - present, committed, quick and responsive to the emerging needs.
LIFT also estimates that more than 80% of the response activity is undertaken by local partners - it is they who go to villages, factories, quarantine centers, camps and border gates (while international staff and sometimes national staff from international organisations are not allowed) and it is they who provide the awareness training through loudspeakers and pamphlets, visit families in their homes, and support quarantine centers with essential materials.
By example, LIFT’s five strategic civil society partners (Karuna Mission Social Solidarity, Land Core Group, Metta, Network Activities Group, and Gender Equality Network) alone reached almost a million beneficiaries, of which half are women, within the first month of their emergency response. Their COVID work has also extended to influencing policy and practice, for example GEN's work with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement to announce nation-wide GBV data in collaboration with all CSOs and international organisations.
LIFT’s Decent Work and Labour Mobility programme delivered emergency support to 355,673 direct beneficiaries (of which 58% are women), across multiple states and regions of Myanmar, covering Yangon, Kayin, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Bago, Chin, Mandalay, Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwaddy. A key factor behind the effectiveness of this response in these difficult times is the engagement of local civil society and labour organisations in the management and implementation before and during the crisis. With local organisations’ ability to mobilise quickly, their high level of personal commitment and their extensive local knowledge, these organisations have formed the backbone of LIFT’s support to migrants in border areas, communities of origin and communities of destination.
Our local CSO partners have also supported internal migrants through the provision of shelter and food and financial support to women in crisis, particularly the garment workers who have lost their jobs due to widespread factory closures in Yangon. LIFT-funded CSOs have also provided legal assistance to migrant workers to claim compensation for terminated employment and resolve labour disputes, both of which have increased dramatically during the pandemic, they supported community-level quarantine facilities and raising of awareness in Yangon’s Hlaing Thar Yar Township..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Office for Project Services (Denmark) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-10
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The government’s struggle to increase testing capacity amid shortages of equipment and staff is beginning to pay off and will leave Myanmar much better prepared for future pandemics.
Description:
"On April 22, three container trucks carrying parts of a Swiss-made Cobas 6800 Analyser arrived at the National Health Laboratory in Yangon to much fanfare. Donated by a local company, AA Pharmaceutical, the machine was trumpeted as a gamechanger in Myanmar’s response to COVID-19, because it would enable a significant scaling-up of testing.
Previously the NHL had been conducting just a few hundred tests a day, up to a maximum daily capacity of around 300. From early May, the Ministry of Health and Sports said, it would be able to conduct an additional 1,400 tests a day with the Cobas analyser.
Further steps were soon taken to boost testing capacity. The Department of Medical Research also began conducting COVID-19 tests on April 23, and the ministry revealed plans to establish new laboratories outside Yangon. Meanwhile, a few days after the donated machine arrived at the NHL, the military announced it had two more of the Cobas machines available, and offered to use them to test samples from civilians.
Yet, in spite of these initiatives, testing barely increased for almost a month. Only since mid-May has the number of tests regularly hit 500 a day. By June 9, only 38,123 tests had been performed overall in a country of 54 million. Support independent journalism in Myanmar. Sign up to be a Frontier member.
The slow scale-up of testing suggests there is no silver bullet. A range of factors need to be in place to test on a wide scale – not just the machines to perform the tests, but also testing kits, chemical reagents, human resources, supply chains and policies..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-10
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"The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 240 so far, with four new cases on Saturday night, according to figures released by the Health and Sports Ministry.
Four people who were under quarantine after their recent arrival from India tested positive.
It was learnt that the newly confirmed cases were from Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw.
A total of 35,432 samples have been tested as of Saturday, since the disease was first detected in Myanmar on March 23.
According to the ministry's release, a total of 156 patients have recovered with six deaths so far..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-07
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"A total of 663 hotels, about one-third of the hotels in Myanmar, reopened across regions and states so far after temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official from the Hotels and Tourism Ministry told Xinhua late Thursday.
"There are 2,053 hotels operating in the country and one-third of them have reopened after getting health and safety inspection passes by the authorities concerned as of May 29," said Deputy Director General U Aung Aye Han of the ministry.
As of May 29, Yangon region topped the list with 284 re-operating hotels, followed by Shan state with 94 hotels while hotels in Mandalay region, Chin and Kachin states have not been reopened.
Putting health in first place, the ministry has been exerting efforts for tourism development and for the convenience of the travellers in the country, the official said.
Meanwhile, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist arrivals in Myanmar had dropped by 45 percent in the first four months of this year, compared to the corresponding period of last year, U Hlaing Oo, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry told Xinhua recently.
As part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Foreign Affairs Ministry also extended temporary entry restrictions for travellers from all countries until June 15..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-05
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"A total of 14 frontline health workers have been infected with COVID-19 so far since the disease was first detected in March in Myanmar, a health official told Xinhua on Thursday.
Of them, six health personnel are working under the Ministry of Health and Sports and the rest are health care professionals from private clinics.
"Health care personnel are at the frontlines in fight against COVID-19. The ministry has been providing physical and mental support to them," Than Naing Soe, director of Health Literacy Promotion Unit of the Public Health Department under the ministry, told Xinhua.
All of those infected health care workers are in good condition and some of them have recovered, he said.
Myanmar reported first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March 23 and the total number of infections has reached 234 as of Thursday morning.
In over two-month period, 145 patients have recovered and six deaths were reported so far, according to the ministry..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-04
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A tangle of contrasting measures in different states and regions for quarantining visitors has left would-be travellers unsure whether or not to pack their bags.
Description:
"As local authorities across Myanmar gradually ease measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, the prospect of travelling freely around most of the country is inching closer.
But varied approaches from states and regions have created an incohesive picture for travellers, who face everything from zero requirements to a 21-day quarantine in a government facility and a mandatory health certificate, depending on the area.
Anyone entering Myanmar from abroad must still undergo facility quarantine.
The Union government has recommended local authorities to roll back quarantine restrictions for domestic travellers, but has ultimately devolved the decision, said Ministry of Health and Sports spokesperson Dr Than Naing Soe.
Support independent journalism in Myanmar. Sign up to be a Frontier member.
“Most states and regions are reducing their measures for quarantine,” he said. Than Naing Soe added that the only townships that are still subject to community lockdowns are Yangon’s COVID-19 hotspots, Insein and Mayangone. Residents of these two townships can expect to be quarantined in states and regions that have otherwise lifted quarantine requirements.
With 183 of Myanmar’s 233 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Yangon Region has been recognised by other regions and states as the epicentre of the virus, while Yangon itself has no quarantine requirements for domestic travellers.
Quarantine is not required for people who enter Mandalay Region, even if the township has recorded cases, said regional Shan ethnic affairs minister Sai Pan Saing. However, people travelling from townships under a community lockdown – Insein and Mayangone – will be quarantined for 21 days in a government facility, he said.
“We will check carefully to see where they are coming from before they enter the region,” Pan Saing told Frontier..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-04
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"The total number of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar has risen to 232, with four more confirmed cases reported on Tuesday, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Sports.
Of the newly confirmed cases, two patients are from Shan state and one each from Yangon region and Chin state, the release said.
According to the release, all patients were not in close contact with previously confirmed patients, but three of them were under quarantine as they had travel history in the past 14 days.
According to the ministry, 143 patients have recovered from the disease so far.
Myanmar has reported six deaths from COVID-19 as of Tuesday..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-03
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"From boiled catfish soup to spicy fried frog, an eight-year-old in pyjamas and a chef’s hat is delighting Myanmar with her culinary prowess in a nation still being told to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Moe Myint May Thu’s mother posted a video online at the end of April showing off her daughter’s skills as the youngster threw together some spicy fried prawns.
With her wide gap-toothed grin, the video has bounced across social media and brought stardom to the child along with an online moniker: “Little Chef”.
She now sells dishes to order – and is counting the dividends.
“I just love cooking,” she said, during a break from the kitchen in her family’s Yangon flat.
“It’s made us happy cooking together in the lockdown,” she said, adding she wants to translate her childhood passion into a career when she grows up. In her most popular video, which has nearly 200,000 views, the young star wears a unicorn-themed T-shirt as she gives instructions on how to make Myanmar breakfast favourite Mohingya, concocted with boiled catfish..."
Source/publisher:
"Agence France-Presse" via "South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-02
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The Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment on COVID-19 issued a statement on May 28 relating to health measures to be taken for foreigners coming into Myanmar.
Description:
"Foreigners will have to stay a total of 21-day quarantine, a one week home quarantine in their respective country before flying, another one week facilitity quarantine after arriving in Myanmar and finally one more week of home quarantine in Myanmar,
Following a discussion on May 27, the central committee has also decided that foreign nationals travelling to Myanmar for professional purposes will need to show a certificate stating they are free from COVID-19 and have completed a week-long home quarantine in their country before flying. They will also be required to complete another week of facility quarantine upon arrival in Myanmar. They will only be allowed to work after completing another week-long home quarantine and their nasal swab sample returns a PCR-negative.
Those who are flying in to work on projects, business, construction and departmental matters will need to furnish laboratory evidence from their home countries showing that they are free of the COVID-19 infection. They will also need to provide evidence stating that they have completed one week of home quarantine before boarding the plane...."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-02
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"Myanmar Civil Society organizations and networks urge the Myanmar government and other relevant stakeholders to take urgent measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programmes
Myanmar in Focus
28 May 2020
Myanmar is being affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic in many aspects – health wise, politically, economically and socially. The impact of the pandemic may be prolonged. In this regards, some Myanmar civil society organizations (CSOs) and networks convened online meetings on 29 April and 19 May 2020 to discuss ways to strategically respond to the pandemic. Based on these meetings, Myanmar CSOs plan to issue a manifesto on how to strategically coordinate and respond during the pandemic. While the manifesto is being prepared, which may take some time, there are some matters that require immediate actions.
Urgent recommendations and request:
1. Unconditionally stop armed conflict in all areas across Myanmar.
2. The Myanmar government should urgently support and provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and recent conflict affected population, especially in northern Rakhine and southern Chin States, and COVID-19 related response. Unconditionally remove all restrictions preventing CSOs from providing emergency assistance and humanitarian access must be granted.
3. Myanmar government, the military (Tatmadaw), and ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) should protect civilians in armed conflict affected areas and respect and fulfil international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
4. The government should buy goods with low shelf-lives from farmers and distribute them to people in need.
5. Agricultural loans repayment exemption from the government for farmers from armed conflict affected areas and suspend repayment of loans for farmers from other areas.
6. Unconditionally suspend land registration and land confiscation under the Vacant, Fallow, and Virgin (VFV) Land Management Law and the planning and implementation of business investments using Myanmar’s natural resources such as water, land and ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic when there are limitations on monitoring due to restrictions on people gatherings.
7. Temporarily suspend mineral mining, issuing licenses for mining, exploration, dam construction projects, hydropower projects and energy related projects that are detrimental to the environment and local communities since the public cannot gather to respond during the pandemic.
8. Immediately lift internet restrictions, which have been imposed supposedly due to armed conflict in Rakhine and Chin states and security reasons, limiting the public’s ability to access information, unblock ethnic websites and allow the media to freely access information and report. Media workers should not be charged under criminal laws or other repressive laws.
9. Provide unconditional food, money, and essential items support within a month to people are really poor and in dire need. Conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment to be able to provide such assistance. Government departments and CSOs should cooperate for the assessment..."
Source/publisher:
"TNI"
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-02
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
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Description:
"The UN in Myanmar has come together as one to support COVID-19 preparedness and response. The next in a series of articles highlights the contribution of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
UNFPA initiatives in response to COVID-19 is aimed at supporting government and non-government partners towards ensuring continuity of sexual and reproductive health services, ending gender-based violence and ensuring psychological wellbeing of women, girls and young people amid COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 strains public health systems including sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls and increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation. UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, is closely working with the Government, UN agencies, CSOs and humanitarian partners to keep health systems functioning and maintain the provision of sexual and reproductive health services and to ensure availability of and accessibility to critical GBV and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services during COVID-19.
Strengthening health systems; ensuring availability and accessibility of quality sexual and reproductive health services
UNFPA support to Ministry of Health and Sports and non-government partners is aimed at strengthening health systems and ensuring availability and accessibility of quality sexual and reproductive health services in any kind of emergency context, including COVID-19 pandemic. To protect frontline health workers from the risk of infection, UNFPA has procured personal protective equipment (PPE) for state and region health departments. UNFPA is also engaged in making available PPE to midwives and other health workers who are at the frontline in providing sexual and reproductive health services to women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities..."
Source/publisher:
UNFPA via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-02
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
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Description:
"Myanmar government has ordered all staff to return to work as usual starting next month, a government official told press briefing on Saturday.
"Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the government ordered half of the staff to stay at home in recent months," said Zaw Htay, spokesperson of the President's Office.
The offices must follow the health measures issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports, he said.
Meanwhile, basic education schools will be reopened in mid-July in the country.
"High schools will be prioritized and the middle and elementary schools will be reopened later," he said.
Myanmar has reported 224 confirmed COVID-19 cases with six deaths so far in the country..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"People wearing masks and face shields walk in downtown Yangon, Myanmar, June 1, 2020. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar has risen to 228, with four more confirmed cases reported on Monday, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Sports..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Public Health
Language:
Local URL:
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