At least four children reportedly die of diarrhoea in junta-held Sittwe

By Admin 18 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 August 2026, Sittwe

A diarrhoea outbreak is spreading across Sittwe and nearby villages in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, with deaths reported among affected residents, according to local sources.

Cases have spread over the past week across several urban wards in Sittwe, Muslim villages and displacement camps.

"The outbreak is quite widespread. Young children without strong immunity have died. It is also difficult for us to move from place to place. We urgently need medicine and assistance right now," a Muslim man in Sittwe said.

Travel restrictions imposed by the military junta have created severe obstacles to accessing healthcare. As infection rates rise, concerns are growing for displaced people living in camps.

Diarrhoea cases are also widespread in Sittwe Town, where IDPs sheltering at local monasteries are unable to reach hospitals or clinics due to financial hardship.

According to residents, at least four children have died from the illness due to a lack of adequate medical treatment in the town and across Muslim displacement camps.

"Many people in Sittwe are unaware of outbreaks happening in other parts of the town. On top of that, there is no healthcare access, which makes the situation very alarming. Displaced people at monasteries cannot afford medical treatment even if they fall sick. They are facing immense financial struggles just to survive," a local woman familiar with the situation in Sittwe said.

With the military junta tightening security and enforcing strict travel restrictions across Sittwe, local residents face severe livelihood and healthcare challenges, with Muslim villages and displaced populations bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Health professionals warn that diarrhoea can spread through contaminated food and water and poses a serious threat to people with weakened immune systems.