Displaced pregnant women and children in Bago Region need healthcare services

By DMG 08 Jul 2022

DMG Newsroom
8 July 2022, Kyaukkyi, Bago Region

Emergency medical assistance is urgently needed for pregnant mothers and children in Bago Region’s Kyaukkyi and Mone townships, according to aid workers.

Nearly 40,000 locals from 26 villages have been displaced by Myanmar military artillery and airstrikes after a coalition of Karen armed groups attacked five military outposts in Kyaukkyi and Mone townships on July 2 and 3.

“Almost 40,000 from several villages have fled to safer locations as the Myanmar military fired artillery shells and conducted airstrikes. Among the displaced people are pregnant mothers and children. But we have yet to compile a detailed list of pregnant mothers and children,” said a member of a Karen relief group.

Fighting in Kyaukkyi and Mone townships has left more than 11,000 pregnant women and children displaced, according to figures compiled by the Karen Human Rights Group and Karen Women’s Organisation.

According to local internally displaced people (IDPs), these pregnant women and their unborn babies, as well as young children, are facing many difficulties obtaining the necessary nutrients, medicines and shelter.

“I had to flee when the Myanmar military fired artillery shells into the village. I had even more problems because I have a baby. Some expectant mothers are facing difficulties to give birth and take refuge,” said a pregnant IDP woman.

Some IDPs are suffering from malaria and need additional medical assistance, with children of particular concern, according to health workers treating the displaced people.

“We need medicine especially for children. Some IDPs are suffering from malaria outbreaks due to the lack of mosquito nets. It will be good if IDPs are provided with medicines and mosquito nets,” a health worker said.

A coalition led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the Karen National Union’s armed wing, attacked and occupied five military outposts earlier this month, the KNU said in a statement on July 3.

Military tensions are said to be rising as the Myanmar military sends reinforcements to the area and is expected to attempt to retake the occupied military outposts.