Myanmar earthquake survivors face health crisis; UN seeks emergency medical aid
More than a month after a powerful earthquake devastated central Myanmar, a senior United Nations official is warning that urgent medical assistance is needed to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Titon Mitra, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Myanmar, said the situation in Sagaing Region, near the epicenter, remains dire, with widespread infrastructure damage and severely disrupted public services.
According to Mitra, about 80% of buildings in the hardest-hit areas have suffered heavy damage. He noted that business operations have been largely halted, and transport links are severely compromised, making relief efforts even more difficult.
In the quake-affected zones, thousands of people are still living in makeshift conditions, many in car parks, roadside encampments, or temporary shelters, with limited to no access to clean water, sanitation, or medical care. The lack of safe drinking water, the presence of dust from collapsed buildings, and widespread psychological distress are posing significant health risks, according to Mitra.
He pointed out that the country’s fragile healthcare system is ill-equipped to deal with these challenges, particularly since it has deteriorated significantly following the military coup in 2021. Mitra explained that many doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals joined the civil disobedience movement in protest against the military government, resulting in a significant exodus from the public health sector. This, he said, has left Myanmar with an extremely weakened healthcare infrastructure.
International aid efforts face numerous hurdles, including limited access due to damaged roads and restrictions imposed by the military authorities. These obstacles are slowing the delivery of essential supplies and leaving affected communities dependent on local volunteer groups and grassroots initiatives.
The UNDP and other humanitarian agencies are calling for immediate support to provide basic necessities, especially medical supplies, water purification systems, and mental health services. Mitra stressed that the situation goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure—there is an urgent need to address the immediate health crisis to prevent further loss of life.
He stated that Sagaing Region’s ongoing armed conflict between resistance groups and the military complicates aid delivery, as many areas remain inaccessible. Humanitarian organizations are urging all parties involved to ensure safe and unimpeded access for relief operations.
On the ground, residents are continuing to clear debris, build shelters from salvaged materials, and share limited resources. Health workers and volunteers are attempting to meet the growing needs, but most are overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
Mitra warned that the situation in Myanmar is a humanitarian emergency that is unfolding largely outside the global spotlight. He appealed to the international community to increase aid and pressure all involved parties to allow full humanitarian access.
The UN is actively coordinating with Southeast Asian partners and ASEAN member states to mobilize support, but logistical challenges and restricted access continue to hamper progress.
Category: Community
