Conflict and healthcare challenges in Myanmar

Conflict is ongoing in Myanmar, where 25 per cent of the population lives below the national poverty line. Security concerns have made accessing healthcare services very challenging for families.

A mother’s quest for healthcare

Mai, a young mother in Myanmar, has navigated these obstacles both throughout and after her pregnancy, as she seeks care for herself and her one-month old baby, Gam. She has found support in Healthy Journey,* a project operating in Myanmar that provides essential health services to 16,100 conflict-affected people. Located in the town of Lashio, and operated by the Lashio Health Commission, healthcare services have eased some of Mai’s anxieties and logistical hurdles.

Initially, Mai received antenatal care via a mobile clinic run by the commission that would travel over 445 kilometres from Lashio to Mai’s village. However, the situation worsened. Says Mai, “As a consequence of the conflict, the medical teams were unable to come to the village, and there were no reliable clinics around the village. We faced many difficulties related to accessing health services.”

Seeking safety in Lashio

She eventually had to relocate to Lashio as an internally displaced person and was relieved to find the Health Commission’s clinic operating on the campus of the local church. Life remained a challenge in the months leading to the birth of her son as Lashio wasn’t free from strife. “It is tense, and many people carry guns,” says Mai. “Just going to the clinic feels risky, especially at night when the streets are deserted.”

Welcoming baby Gam

Mai has persevered, crediting her Christian faith and determination to ensure her son receives the necessary care. “It is a challenge, but it is worth it for my family’s well-being,” she says.

When the time came to give birth to Gam in February 2024, she did so under appropriate medical supervision at the Lashio Public Hospital where her newborn received quality essential care.

Today she’s back at home in her village and consults with the clinic by phone as needed. Mai says. “Now our health, including my baby’s, relies primarily on the Lashio Health Commission clinic."

Did you know?

In the past year, World Vision has invested over $42 million and reached 1,812,571 people through 70 health programs.

As Mai continues to care for her baby, Gam, with the support of World Vision, her story serves as an inspiring example of hope and the impact of dedicated healthcare initiatives in the most challenging circumstances. Check out our Annual Results Report and learn about the progress we’ve made in health, education, clean water and more.

*Healthy Journey launched in March 2023 and concluded in April 2024. The project is run by the Lashio Health Commission clinic, which is part of the local church diocese’s mission, Karuna Mission Social Solidarity. The clinic operates in a consortium with World Vision International Myanmar and World Vision Canada. Funding is provided by the World Health Organization.