Mae Sariang / Thailand
Medical Relief for refugees from Myanmar
For more than 20 years, refugees from Burma/Myanmar have been fleeing to Thailand to seek refuge from human rights abuses by the authoritarian regime in Burma and from fights between armed opposition groups and the Burmese military. Approximately 150.000 refugees live in nine refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. The refugees are fully dependent on international support for shelter, food, education, water/ sanitation and health services while income opportunities are limited.
- Primary Health Care is provided through health posts in the camps. Photo: Jörg Worms
- Prenatal Care in the camps. Photo: Jörg Worms
- A laboratory is part of the health infrastructure in the refugee camp. Photo: Jörg Worms
Several local and international NGOs supply these services in close co-operation with trained camp residents in order to ensure access to the most relevant needs. The Royal Thai Government (RTG) defines its role in providing location and security as well as in supervising and coordinating the NGO activities through the Ministry of Interior.
Since 1993 Malteser International has been implementing a health project for app. 35.500 Karen and Burmese refugees in two refugee camps at the Thai-Myanmar border. The project provides curative and preventive health care and trains the Karen refugee population to be health staff in the camps.
Since 1993 Malteser International has been implementing a health project for app. 35.500 Karen and Burmese refugees in two refugee camps at the Thai-Myanmar border. The project provides curative and preventive health care and trains the Karen refugee population to be health staff in the camps.
- To limit the risk of epidemics
- To reduce mortality and morbidity
- To strengthen the capacity and capability of the camp community for self-reliance
Curative care
- Medical care and nursing care in camp clinics
- Screening of new arrivals on communicable diseases
- Referral System to Thai Hospitals
- Supply of medicine, medical supply and material
Reproductive Health and Child Health Care
- Ante Natal Care Clinic
- Deliveries in the camps
- Mother Classes and Family Planning
- Therapeutic Feeding for malnourished children
Health Awareness and Prevention
- Immunisation, Household visits
- Awareness days and health campaigns
Capacity Building
- Training of Karen health staff (Medics, Nurses, Midwives, CHW)
- Training of water sanitation worker
| Project data | |
| Duration: | since 1993 |
| Financing: | Malteser International, Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO), World Child Future Foundation, Hoffenheim Supporters |
| Partner: | Karen Refugee Committee |
| Personal: | One project coordinator, one medical doctor, one midwife, 35 local staff (Thais), 350 local staff (refugees) |
| Contact | |
| Malteser: | Cordula Wasser |
| 0221-9822-187 | |
| info(at)malteser-international.org | |
Media library
A hygiene quiz was organised for students and adults, as part of a hygiene awareness campaign.
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