Give Hope to Mothers in Myanmar with Baby Kits

Through decades of neglect, the health system in Myanmar ranks among the worst in the world and the ethnic areas are particularly neglected. It will take many years for proper, functioning health systems and infrastructure to be developed and in the meantime community-led health initiatives are essential for minimizing the impact.

A team from RIJ recently visited Thailand and met some of the community workers who coordinate the distribution of kits inside Karen state Myanmar. We heard how the program continues to strengthen the capacity of community managers at district and township level. They have increased nutrition education and women's health education activities in their communities.

One mother’s story highlights the neglect.
“My family are all famers. While I lived in my home village, I had 2 children. In my home village there was no clinic, no health materials delivered from humanitarian organizations, and no way to get knowledge of health education. There was also no clinic to go to nearby or medications available to take for mother or baby. If something is wrong with our health or if we need to get treatment, we must go to another village that is two-days walk away.”

The situation in her home village was getting worse so when she fell pregnant with her third child she moved nearer to a displaced camp and was able to receive a baby kit.

“I had never used some of the hygiene materials in there, nor had I ever heard some of those health messages. When my first two babies were born, I used pieces of my husband’s old sarong, and some other old clothes, to wrap up my babies. They were not really clean. I felt so excited to get this kind of material and information help for myself and for my baby. Even though our life is difficult, it is very heartening to receive a helping hand like this. It made me so happy. Even if someone might think it is a small amount, anyway I’m very grateful.”