Cases of tuberculosis on the rise at IDP camps in Arakan State

By Admin 09 Oct 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 October 2023, Sittwe

As cases of tuberculosis are increasing in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State, those infected are in need medical treatment, displacement camp officials say.

At least 30 people have been infected with tuberculosis and two deaths were reported across multiple IDP camps in Sittwe, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships, according to a DMG investigation.

“The people at the displacement camps are infected with various diseases, including tuberculosis. Due to lack of necessary healthcare services, the elderly also suffer from various diseases,” said a female nurse, who provides mobile healthcare services in Arakan State.

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that is common among people with weakened immune systems, and can be fatal if contracted. Symptoms include cough, phlegm, bloody cough, fever, weight loss, low appetite and lethargy.

At least 10 people at Taungminkalar IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township suffer from tuberculosis and chronic diseases and they face financial difficulties to receive medical treatment, according to camp officials.

“Older women have diabetes and high blood pressure. Some women also have haemorrhoids. There are people who cannot take medicine regularly due to high prices and irregular cash assistance,” said Daw Ma Aye Khin, manager of the displacement camp.

IDPs say there are places where medicine to treat tuberculosis is distributed free of charge, but due to the high cost of transportation, they are unable to visit regularly.

Due to the military conflict in Arakan state, the people who have been sheltering in the displacement camps have been facing a variety of serious health, food, education, social and economic problems as the years have gone by.

There are more than 58,000 IDPs in Arakan State and Paletwa Township who are currently unwilling or unable to return home, according to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).