UN to provide €1.3 million in aid for conflict-affected women in Myanmar, including Arakan State

By Admin 23 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

23 May 2026, Mrauk-U

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will provide healthcare assistance worth 1.3 million euros for women in Myanmar, including those affected by conflict and war in Arakan State.

According to a statement released by UNFPA on May 21, the assistance is expected to reach 84,471 conflict-affected women and girls across Myanmar.

The statement said the assistance is supported by European Union Humanitarian Aid.

A 12-month project will be implemented to strengthen life-saving reproductive healthcare, gender-based violence response services, and mental health and psychosocial support for women and girls in Myanmar.

UNFPA Representative for Myanmar Jamie Nadal Roig said: “For conflict-affected women and girls, timely access to safe and confidential care can be the difference between life and death. This support strengthens UNFPA and partners' capacity to provide health, safety, dignity, and well-being in communities where urgent needs remain.”

The project will be implemented in Arakan, Kachin and Chin states, as well as Sagaing and Bago regions.

Beneficiaries will receive maternal healthcare, family planning services, medical care for survivors of violence, psychosocial support, reproductive health kits, and emergency protection and cash assistance for those with health needs.

At the same time, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Arakan State are receiving limited assistance from international organizations and local aid groups due to travel restrictions and internet shutdowns imposed by the military regime.

People in Arakan State are also facing severe hardship due to rising commodity prices caused by blocked trade routes, and IDPs say their livelihoods are becoming increasingly difficult.

IDPs are taking on any available odd jobs amid soaring prices and scarce employment opportunities, but many say their daily incomes remain insufficient.

Daw Hla Thar Aye, an IDP woman staying at a displacement camp near a railway station in Kyauktaw, said: “Where we used to buy K1,000 worth of cooking oil before, we can now only buy K500 worth. For onions, where we could use about two onions before, we can now only use a slice. We also do not dare to use monosodium glutamate like before. We are facing various hardships like this.”

Women in other parts of Myanmar are also reportedly suffering psychological impacts amid ongoing armed conflicts and political instability.

IDPs say that with the prices of basic food items such as oil, salt, chili and onions continuing to rise, they must carefully manage their children's snack money and daily household expenses.

It is also reported that low levels of humanitarian assistance at IDP camps across Myanmar are severely affecting living conditions, food security and survival.