Naw Ma Than Aye’s journey to becoming a midwife
For decades, Thailand has hosted more than 100,000 refugees from Myanmar. They are scattered across nine camps located on the Thai-Myanmar border. These camps have been in place for decades as refugees fled their home country to escape persistent violence. Malteser International is working to provide basic medical care for refugees in two of these nine camps.
At just 22 years of age, Naw Ma Than Aye is already on her way to fulfilling a lifelong dream: becoming a midwife in Mae La Oon Camp. Her determination is deeply rooted in her family’s history of displacement, as well as in the example set by her father back in Myanmar.
Naw Ma Than Aye’s family originally comes from Kyaw Oo Hta Village, Brigade 3. In 2003, armed conflict forced them to flee their home and seek safety in Mae Kong Kha Camp, where Naw Ma Than Aye was born. When the camp closed a year later, the family was displaced once more and relocated to Mae La Oon Camp, which is located close to the border with Myanmar and supported by Malteser International. Naw Ma Than Aye has lived there since she was just one year old.
While growing up in the camp, she found inspiration close to home. Her father remained in Myanmar, working as a traditional birth attendant, helping women safely deliver their babies in challenging conditions. Through his stories, she began to imagine herself one day supporting mothers and newborns within her own community.
Building confidence through hands-on learning
In May 2025, she completed her studies at Northern Karen Junior College. Later that year, she heard an announcement about a midwife training course organized by Malteser International. Without hesitation, she applied. After successfully passing the interview, she began a six‑month training program last year, which she completed in February 2026.
The program started with three months of theoretical training. Among her favorite modules were clinical skills and intrapartum care, particularly the practical demonstrations that allowed her to build confidence through hands‑on learning. She has now entered the final phase of the program: three months of supervised practical training, where she applies her knowledge alongside experienced midwives.
One moment stands out in particular. During her placement, Naw Ma Than Aye assisted in her first delivery. “It was the first time I applied what I learned in real life,” she says proudly.
“Seeing both the mother and baby safe made me very happy.” So far, she has assisted in the safe delivery of four newborns. Each experience has strengthened her confidence and her commitment to maternal health care. “Hearing the baby cry for the first time is something I will never forget,” she adds. Beyond the skills she has gained, Naw Ma Than Aye expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity itself. Today, Naw Ma Than Aye serves in one of our camp hospitals. She and 11 other participants have gained essential skills that contribute to safer childbirth and healthier futures for mothers and newborns in Mae La Oon Camp.
“I would like to thank Malteser International for giving young people like me the chance to attend the midwife training.”
- Naw Ma Than Aye
(April, 2026)
