Aid workers report that internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kyaikmarraw township, Mon State, require healthcare and medical assistance.
More than half of those Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are women and children. Many are elderly, some are suffering from chronic diseases, or are pregnant, all are in need of healthcare and medical assistance.
Dr. Aung Naing Oo, a member of the Ramanna Nikaya Parahita Association – All Mon Region, which is assisting war refugees, said that an elderly woman and a woman with cancer died due to the lack of health care after being displaced for a month.
“On December 5th, a 50-year-old cancer patient from Meitayo died when we went to see him. After moving here and there, he did not die at home. The other day, an old woman died in the Kawtpanaw monastery after fleeing her home due to the war. That’s why we need help from various organizations,” he said.
Restrictions on movement in the region, is making it difficult for aid workers and emergency ambulances to enter.
The November 10th , the KNLA joint forces attack on the Chaunghnitkhwa village police station and bridge gate, escalated the conflict causing residents to flee from at least 20 villages in the region.
Although the New Mon State Party health team is doing their best to provide basic health needs for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), there is an urgent need for help with chronic illnesses, and women who are pregnant.
“I am deeply concerned about my wife because she is pregnant. We are unsure if this conflict is local or widespread, I am relocating to the outskirts of Kawmi village, which offers a safer passage, fearing I might get trapped in the town,” reported one IDP.
Others are worried that in the coming days access to food and healthcare will become more challenging.
According to those assisting the refugees, at least 20,000 people have fled from towns and villages in Kyaikmarraw township.
