With medications lacking, TB cases surge in Arakan State 

By Admin 06 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 December 2024, Mrauk-U

Tuberculosis (TB) cases have surged in Arakan State as the junta’s travel restrictions continue to take a toll on the public healthcare system in the western Myanmar state, according to local health workers.

TB cases are increasing in townships such as Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, and Minbya, which are facing severe shortages of medicines.

A health worker from Mrauk-U Township said: “Many TB patients have come to our clinic to seek treatment. TB is highly contagious and new infections are increasing. The lack of TB medication puts these patients at great risk.”

The rise in TB cases, coupled with the lack of medication, has led to deaths. A 20-year-old woman from Lanbyin Village in Kyauktaw Township died on November 19 after her TB medication ran out and her condition worsened.

“She was on a medication for TB. Her condition worsened when the medicines ran out. We searched for medicine in three different townships but couldn’t find any, and she died,” said a family member.

TB spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs and the like. The germs can enter the lungs of people who inhale these droplets, causing infection.

Without regular medication, TB can be fatal. A healthcare worker in Kyauktaw said antibiotics are being administered to TB patients due to the lack of TB medicines.

“In previous months, we couldn’t find TB medication, so we had to use antibiotics to manage the disease. TB is contagious. If one person in a family is infected, it can spread to others. TB cases are increasing,” he said.

One TB patient from Mrauk-U said, “We can’t find medicine in townships in Arakan State, so we have to go as far as Paletwa Township to buy it. The prices are exorbitant, but I have to buy it regardless of the cost.”

It has been more than one year since the regime imposed travel blockades in Arakan State after the latest fighting broke out in November of last year, resulting in severe shortages of goods and medicines, along with skyrocketing prices, causing significant hardship for local populations.