The challenge
Ongoing conflict in Myanmar has led to large-scale displacement, leaving many communities without access to essential services. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant barriers to healthcare due to the continuous conflict, airstrikes, blockades, and limited medical facilities. Accessing basic medical treatment, maternal care, and reproductive health services is extremely difficult for these vulnerable populations, particularly women and children living in conflict zones.
Project objectives
This project aims to provide vital healthcare services to IDPs in Myanmar affected by conflict. The key objectives are:
- To support medical personnel providing care in IDP communities.
- To deliver essential mobile healthcare services, including treatment for common illnesses and injuries, maternal care, and paediatric care.
- To provide reproductive health awareness and access to family planning services for the IDP population.”
Why this matters
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet it is severely compromised for those displaced by conflict in Myanmar. Providing medical support directly addresses the urgent health needs of IDPs, preventing the spread of disease and treating injuries. Supporting doctors ensures that skilled professionals can continue their crucial work in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, offering reproductive health services and education empowers women and families to make informed choices about their health and future, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community during a time of crisis.
Activities
UnionAID’s partner, an organisation established by young local leaders in 2021 concentrates on delivering humanitarian aid due to the escalating conflict and women’s empowerment through skills training, now concentrates on delivering humanitarian aid due to the escalating conflict. They have been providing crucial support to tens of thousands of IDPs since late 2021.
Working closely with local teams, the project activities include:
- Providing allowances for three months to four doctors working directly with IDP communities.
- Operating mobile health camps to deliver primary healthcare services and essential medicines to approximately 1,000 IDPs in hard-to-reach areas.
- Conducting reproductive health awareness campaigns, offering consultations, and distributing contraceptives through group and individual counselling sessions, ensuring privacy and cultural sensitivity.
Outcomes
This project expects to achieve:
- Sustained medical service delivery through support for four doctors.
- Improved health for around 1,000 IDPs receiving direct medical care.
- Increased access to and understanding of contraceptive options for 80% of women of reproductive age within the target community.
- A reduction in unplanned pregnancies among the IDP population by 20% over the project period.
With thanks to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) for supporting this project.
Support the people of Myanmar
Following the Earthquake, UnionAID is in contact with our partners in Myanmar. We’re working to help ensure that our contributions get directly to communities which need help, and not into the coffers of the military junta, and organisations like the Myanmar Red Cross which they control.
