Malaria cases and related fatalities rise in remote Ponnagyun Twsp

By Admin 20 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 December 2024, Ponnagyun

An increase in malaria cases has been reported in Tawphyarchaung village-tract in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun Township, with resulting fatalities due to a shortage of medicines, according to residents.

Ko Tun Hlaing Than, a 30-year-old resident of Poeshweepyin Village, died of malaria on Tuesday as he could not receive treatment in time.

“He had a high fever and was vomiting. When his condition worsened, we took him to the hospital, but he died a few days later,” said a female villager of Poeshweepyin.

A 20-year-old man also died of malaria in Tawphyarchaung village-tract’s Awyama Village around the end of November.

There are still malaria patients in Taw Pyar Chaung, and their health is at risk due to shortages of medicines and difficulties travelling to healthcare facilities.

Traditional medicine practitioner Ko Aung Than Htay from Sin Thel Village said: “Many people who have come to me with complaints of fever are suffering from malaria.”

There are more than 20 villages in the Tawphyarchaung area, with residents relying on a cottage hospital in Poeshweepyin Village. The hospital, however, is also facing a severe shortage of medicines.

Locals have called on the Arakkha Army and United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) to take measures to prevent a malaria outbreak.

Taw Pyar Chaung resident Ko Kyaw Htay said: “There are malaria cases in almost every village. In our area, we only have a hospital in Powshweepyin, which is also running out of medicine. Malaria is a serious disease; we would like to urge the Arakkha people’s government to provide healthcare services as much as possible.”

Since the latest fighting in Arakan State began in November 2023, the military junta has blockaded roads and waterways, leading to shortages and price hikes of medicines and goods. Located in a remote area, Tawphyarchaung residents face even greater hardships than most.