Myanmar is currently in a crucial period of transition to democracy following decades of isolationism. Due to the recent liberalization process, its central location in the region, and rich natural resources, it has much potential for development. Still, the country ranks 150 out of 187 in the 2014 UNDP Human Development Index. Decades of conflict and underinvestment in the public sector have severely affected the population, and the country is faced by recurrent natural disasters.
Myanmar’s coastal regions are exposed to cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis, while major parts of the country are at risk from earthquakes, fires, flooding and drought. Climate change and widespread poverty have deepened the population’s vulnerability to such events.
Malteser International first began working in Myanmar in 1996, implementing small-scale relief projects with local partners, and it has been active with its own staff in the country since 2001. Today, Malteser International employs more than 350 national staff in Rakhine, Shan and Kayin states, where our work aims at ensuring communities have access to primary health care services. We also offer comprehensive WASH and disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation solutions, and provide relief after disasters. We strive to enable and empower the most vulnerable communities in marginalized areas through a participatory and sustainable approach.
We have been committed to strengthening local actors and thus increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid. Together with strong partners, we support eight countries and 40 local partner organizations in a joint localization program (ToGETHER!), fostering capacity building in emergency aid and crisis prevention, coordination and finances, and representation of their interests. Malteser International has the operational lead in two of the participating countries: Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aspires to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Through our numerous projects worldwide, Malteser International is making every effort to help reach these objectives.
In Myanmar, for instance, we are building health networks in the most remote areas of the country to improve healthcare, especially for pregnant women, mothers, and children.
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Being a mother comes with a spectrum of emotions. There is mostly the pure joy of watching ones child grow from infant to teenager and then to an adult, but there are also a number of unpleasant moments, like watching one's child suffer from a prolonged illness. Mi Tueh thought she had failed as a mother until she learned about tuberculosis (TB). Find out how Malteser International is helping families affected by the deadly disease.
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