Ethnic demographic and health survey in Myanmar

[This is not an FCCT-organized event. Free and open to all.]

The Health Information System Working Group (HISWG) invites you a press conference where it will launch what is the most comprehensive report on the current dire situation of health in Myanmar’s ethnic communities. The Ethnic demographic and health survey (EDHS): health, displacement, and service-delivery in conflict affected Burma covers events of 2024. It is based on a survey of 3100 households and over 15,000 individuals in ethnic areas of Myanmar. The report presents the most comprehensive, population-based assessment of health, well-being, and service access across some of the country’s most underserved and hard-to-reach regions since the 2021 military coup.

The report provides a rare and critical view into how communities are coping with overlapping challenges -- including economic hardship, service disruptions, military attacks and rapidly expanding health needs among the ordinary people in areas of the country that are hard to access. Major challenges include lack of access to medical resources and treatment, very high infant and child mortality, widespread household food insecurity and loss of livelihoods, many deaths and injuries due to SAC military junta attacks on civilians; huge untreated mental health challenges; displacement causing stress and other health issues, and other medical problems. More than two-thirds of the communities surveyed had no access to foreign aid in 2024, and this figure has worsened in the light of recent USAID and other donor cuts.
Come find out more about the very grave health situation on the ground in Myanmar, and what leading ethnic health organizations are doing to tackle these challenges.
A panel of expert speakers will present the report’s findings and answer questions. On the panel will be:
Dr Cynthia Maung, director, Mae Tao Clinic.
Saw Nay Htoo, director, Burma Medical Association.
Saw Eh Pwoh, secretary, Karen Department and Welfare.
Additional public health specialists, to be confirmed.
Moderator: Jim Pollard, former FCCT board member, Bangkok-based journalist.
The EDHS is the flagship publication of the Health Information System Working Group (HISWG), which includes as its members ten prominent health service delivery organizations representing ethnic and health advocacy organizations including the Burma Medical Association; Karen Department of Health and Welfare; Kachin Women Association Thailand, Civil Health and Development Network; Shan State Development Foundation; Mon National Health Committee; Pa-Oh Health Working Committee; Loi Tai Li Clinic; Back Pack Health Worker Team (BPHWT); the Ethnic Health Systems Strengthening Group; and the Mae Tao Clinic.