AA provides mental health support for displaced civilians

By Admin 30 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 December 2024, Mrauk-U

The Arakkha Army’s (AA) Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) said that it is working together with civil society organisations to provide mental health and psychological support for civilians displaced by the fighting in Arakan State.

The HDCO said on Sunday that it has been providing mental health support for displaced people regardless of race and religion.

“Relevant organisations and knowledgeable individuals should create opportunities, provide support and design plans for people in Arakan State to raise their mental health awareness and apply that awareness in their daily lives,” said the HDCO.

The HDCO said it provided mental health support and counselling for 3,375 displaced people from 46 villages in Ponnagyun, Kyaukphyu, Rathedaung, and Maungdaw townships from January 15 to October 3.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced in Arakan State since the latest fighting broke out between the regime and the AA on November 13 of last year.

Displaced people regardless of age or gender are suffering from physical and psychological trauma due to unemployment, hunger, and poor living conditions resulting from armed conflicts.

“Some can afford to buy food, but those without money are starving. I can eat two meals a day as my children do odd jobs for a living. But I don’t have any extra money to see a doctor if I get sick,” said Daw Phyu Ma Che, a displaced woman from Byaing Phyu Village in Sittwe Township.

Airstrikes, artillery attacks and other violence tied to the conflict have also taken a psychological toll on Arakan State residents.

“We fled here after the first place where we were taking shelter was attacked with airstrikes. When planes come, I huddle with my children under our tiny shelter. We borrow food from others to get by, but it’s not enough. We’re distressed, malnourished, and feeling unwell,” said Daw Khin Soe Nu, a displaced woman taking refuge in Kyauktaw Township.

More than 700 civilians have died, and over 1,500 have been injured at the hands of the regime in Arakan State over the past 13 months. 

International aid organisations and local civil society organisations provided psychological and material support for war victims in Arakan State during the previous armed conflicts. However, they have barely received any assistance during the ongoing fighting.