Before the earthquake struck Myanmar on the 28th of March, the country was already in crisis, with a third of the population, 19.9 million people, in urgent need of humanitarian support. Now millions more are in need.
At least 120,000 buildings have been destroyed, leaving families forced to live outside in makeshift camps on farmland or by the side of the road. Families whose homes have been destroyed are exposed to extreme heat, facing risks of illness. The onset of monsoon rains is further threatening the safety of those living in makeshift camps.
The needs continue to be huge, but despite the many challenges delivering aid within this context, DEC charities and their local partners have already been able to reach some of the most vulnerable with lifesaving aid.
During the first 6 months of the DEC funded response, they will continue to prioritise urgent support and meeting people’s most essential needs.
Healthcare services
Access to healthcare following natural disasters is often challenging, especially for rural communities. Even before the earthquake, over 1.5 million people were already displaced in the affected areas. Now, with the arrival of monsoon season, rural areas are at risk of being cut off by flooding, and waterborne diseases spread.
DEC charity International Rescue Committee has been running mobile health clinics, reaching communities who might otherwise not be able to access standard healthcare services.
Since the earthquake, Daw Win Kyi was feeling dizziness she did not feel before the earthquake. Being over 70, it is not easy to travel miles to a pharmacy, which is located in a nearby town. Thanks to the clinic, Daw Win Kyi was treated by a mobile health clinic, where she received medication for high blood pressure.