Humanitarian workers in northern Burma have expressed deep concern about the health conditions of thousands of war refugees in Kachin State who have been displaced along the Sino-Burmese border for eight months.

Aid workers said that preventable illnesses caused by unsanitary conditions and cold weather are taking their toll on more than 45,000 internally displaced persons (IDP) in two dozen camps as sporadic fighting between the Burmese government army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) continues.
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Burma’s undernourished health sector will see a rise in government spending of 0.7 percent over the coming fiscal year, as well as an increase in staff numbers and facilities.

Still however the rise will bring total annual spending to only two percent of the budget, keeping Burma among the world’s lowest countries in terms of money allocated to healthcare. (more…)

A 45-year old patient named Abdul Hamid from Buthidaung has been suffering from pain in his stomach for over one year. He has been receiving treatment from local doctors, but has not had any positive results. He recently traveled to Bangladesh, where his wife was going to sell ornaments. (more…)

USAID is set to expand a US$24 million anti-malaria project into Myanmar, health officials said last week. (more…)

An area of Kachin state in northern Burma designated as off-limits to aid groups is suffering from major food shortages and spread of diseases, according to a report which claims to show “compelling evidence” of human rights violations committed by the Burmese military in the war-torn state. (more…)

The Burma Army in Papun Township has arrested two community health workers from the Back Pack Health Worker Team who were giving medical treatment to villagers in the area. (more…)

THE Minister for Health has called on trained medical professionals living abroad to return to Myanmar and contribute their services to improve the health sector. (more…)

Mae Sot – In conflict-afflicted eastern Myanmar, until recently obstetric care was often crude, unsterile and dangerous for both mother and child, health experts say. (more…)

Nay Pyi Taw – Myanmar Academy of Medical Science has been formed for 12 years; and in reviewing its tasks, the executive committees and members have made concerted efforts for achieving success to some extent, said Union Minister for Health Dr Pe Thet Khin at the Annual General Meeting of the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science for 2010-2011 at the hall of the University of Nursing (Yangon) on Bogyoke Aung San Street yesterday morning. (more…)

International medical aid group Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) has expressed “deep concern” about the health of migrant workers in Thailand as it confirmed that it would pull out of the country. (more…)

Britain reducing bilateral aid for projects in developing nations from nearly £60m to £41m in next four years. (more…)

Bangkok – A major international medical aid group said on Monday it was pulling out of Thailand after 36 years because of government interference, leaving thousands of migrants without access to a doctor. (more…)

Hundreds of people are believed to have been hit by an outbreak of dysentery and influenza in Mandalay city in central Burma as hospitals struggle to cope with the burden. (more…)

NAY PYI TAW — A ceremony to sign MoU between the department of Health under the Ministry of Health and INGOs took place at the ministry here yesterday noon. Director-General of the health department Dr Tun Naing Oo delivered a speech, and signed the MoU with INGOs—Care Myanmar, CESVI, Malteser International, World Vision (Myanmar), AMI, Merlin Organizations. — MNA

Chiang Mai – An important source for medical and health services for Burmese refugees and migrant workers, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has announced it will withdraw its services in Thailand. No date was given when the announcement was made in Bangkok on Tuesday. (more…)

AN INTERNATIONAL non-government organisation has launched a telephone hotline to provide advice on sexual and reproductive health to men who have sex with men and sex workers. (more…)

Doctor who went into self exile 23 years ago continues her struggle against the military junta
Esmer Golluoglu in Mae Sot

She is Burma’s most famous doctor, yet Cynthia Maung – or Dr Cynthia, as she is known locally – has not lived there for 20 years. She can’t: she’s a political refugee from the military junta . (more…)

Stigma and discrimination based on HIV status hampers the fight against AIDS in the region. (more…)

Chiang Mai – In reply to an MP’s question in the Burmese Lower House of Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Pe Thet Khin said that his department received a very small health budget––about 43 percent of its essential needs. (more…)

BANGKOK, 19 August 2011 (IRIN) – Aid workers in Myanmar’s northern Kachin State have expressed concern over prospects for food security after recent fighting between government forces and the rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA). (more…)