LATEST: Merlin's cyclone response in the media
Although Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) was not severely devastated by the 2004 Asian tsunami, the waves did reach the shores of three districts. Laputta Township, in Ayeyarwaddy Division, was the worst affected, with approximately 47 deaths and more than 2,000 people displaced.
The disaster weakened an already fragile health system. Lack of clean water and sanitation facilities in Laputta contribute to a high risk of waterborne disease outbreaks such as dysentery and cholera. The tsunami worsened this situation and also caused water shortages after wells and water storage tanks were contaminated with seawater.
There is an urgent need to improve health care at all levels in Myanmar. According to the World Health Organisation, around one in 10 children in Myanmar dies before the age of five. Maternal death rates are also high – the lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy is one in 75.
HOW MERLIN IS HELPING:
Improving mother and child health care
Merlin’s work in Laputta Township is helping to improve the overall health system here, with a focus on maternal and child health. We’ve trained over 1000 health professionals, as well as renovating, equipping and managing the drugs supply to 58 health facilities. We’re also doing ground-breaking work in Behaviour Change Communications (BCC). Using training materials, we’re helping to improve families’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards maternal and new born health. And we’re running child vaccination campaigns. Nearly 350,000 people living in Laputta are benefiting from our work.
Water and sanitation
Merlin’s water and sanitation projects are providing a long-term solution to water shortages, by developing over 70 rainwater collection systems and reservoirs in Laputta. Fifty village committees have been set up to ensure that the water supply systems are maintained and managed correctly. Merlin is also providing hygiene education training and materials to 255 school teachers, and constructing more than 250 latrines at schools throughout the township.
Malaria control programme
We're helping to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria in three divisions; the Ayewaddy district in the south, Thantlang in Chin State and Tamu in Sagaing Division. Working with the Ministry of Health, we're also strengthening the country's managerial and technical malaria control, including training staff in epidemic preparedness and response.
Key Achievements
• 70,199 consultations at Merlin-supported health facilities between September 2005 and September 2006
• 25 health facilities in Laputta Township refurbished in 2006
• 554 health workers trained since January 2007
• Short film produced and 400 copies distributed to raise awareness of maternal and child health care in 2007
Supporters of Merlin's work in Myanmar include the Disasters Emergency Committee and the Daily Telegraph Christmas Appeal.
Read more about Myanmar
From the heart of Laputta: Read Dr Chris' diary
18 Jun 08: Doctors Chris and Xand Van Tulleken, Channel 4's Medicine Men, have been working for Merlin in Myanmar as part of our emergency response team.
Memorial service held for community health workers who died in Cyclone Nargis
4 Jun 08: Last weekend, Merlin held a memorial ceremony to commemorate members of staff who lost their lives in Cyclone Nargis one month ago.
Cyclone Nargis: One month on and Merlin expands its response
3 Jun 08: One month on from Cyclone Nargis and Merlin is scaling up its response in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta helping to bring increased aid to some of the 2.4 million people still struggling without medicines, clean water and shelter.
First baby delivered on Merlin’s floating health clinic
28 May 08: Merlin staff working on the 180ft floating health clinic delivered their first baby earlier this week. The healthy 8lb baby girl has been named Pandawlin, after Pandaw, the name of the boat and Merlin, whose staff delivered her.
Mercy Corps supports Merlin in Myanmar
23 May 08: Mercy Corps, a global relief and development agency, is supporting Merlin as we ramp up our health care response to Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
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