Blood donor associations in Arakan State struggle to survive amid fuel crisis and declining membership

By Admin 26 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

26 May 2026, Mrauk-U

Blood donor associations in areas controlled by the Arakan Army are facing various difficulties and struggling to maintain regular operations due to air threats from Myanmar’s military regime and soaring fuel prices, according to group representatives.

Airstrikes by the regime and disruptions to internet and phone services have caused delays in coordination and made it difficult to reach members in time.

Economic hardships faced by local residents are also affecting the regular operations of blood donor groups across Arakan State.

Ko Tun Lin, chairman of the Rakhine Community Development Foundation (RCDF), told DMG that finding blood for emergency patients has become increasingly difficult.

“With membership dropping sharply, it is very difficult to find blood in emergencies. Depending on the need, we have to travel to villages to meet members. Sometimes we spend money on travel costs only to return empty-handed because we cannot locate them,” he said.

He added: “Recently, many young people have joined departments under the United League of Arakan. In particular, an increasing number of youth are entering military service, creating challenges for us. Some blood donor groups are facing a shortage of members to the point that they have to suspend operations.”

He noted that blood donor groups previously had members in every village who could be contacted whenever blood was needed, but many young people have now left their homes, relocated due to livelihood difficulties, or joined the military.

Ko Tun Lin said a lack of regular funding due to various reasons has also affected the operations of these associations.

Meanwhile, shortages of emergency vehicles and high fuel prices are further disrupting the routine activities of blood donor organizations.

Ma Hla Nu Kyawt, information officer for the Myat Thadar Blood Donor Association, suggested that the United League of Arakan should provide free Hepatitis B and C vaccines, as well as iron supplements, as medicine prices have surged.

“Our association manages to donate about four to five bags of blood per month based on requests from patients. Since we do not have our own vehicle, we have to make alternative arrangements depending on the situation. The recent surge in gasoline prices has made it even more difficult for us,” she said.

Blood donor groups are currently visiting villages to raise awareness and recruit volunteers.

However, many individuals are leaving for foreign countries due to family financial difficulties and economic hardships, leading to a decline in personnel across social aid organizations in Arakan State.

A shortage of healthcare workers, along with inadequate medicines and diagnostic equipment in Arakan Army-controlled areas, is worsening hardships during health crises, including blood shortages.

Social aid groups say urgent support is needed to strengthen blood donor associations in Arakan State, which remain vital for saving civilian lives.