Pregnant women who have fled to Muse in northern Shan State amid the armed conflict are in urgent need of financial assistance for medical care and childbirth, according to aid workers.
“Among the displaced are three women who will give birth this month. When they fled, they couldn’t bring anything with them. Now they need money for delivery fees and baby supplies such as clothes and diapers,” said an aid worker.
Three of the pregnant displaced women who arrived in Muse are expected to give birth in September. Having suddenly fled the fighting, they are in urgent need of medical and financial assistance.
On 31 August, an IDP woman who fled the fighting gave birth but had no money for delivery fees and therefore needed assistance, according to a person in charge of a social aid group in Muse.
“A few days ago, a pregnant woman had abdominal pain, so we sent her to the hospital. The mother couldn’t give birth naturally. She needed a C- section, but she didn’t have money for a natural birth. So our association helped pay for the C-section,” he said.
After the delivery, the displaced mother and baby needed financial assistance for nutrients and milk powder, the social support group member added.
“We don’t know if the baby has health problems or jaundice. It needed phototherapy. The milk powder for the baby has cost about seven lakhs so far. They need (financial) help,” he said.
These displaced people had to seek safety in Muse on 29 August due to fighting between the Myanmar army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in villages of Muse Township.
Although there is no more fighting between the two sides, the military is still shelling the villages with artillery, so the displaced people are not yet able to return home and remain in Muse, according to reports.
Sent by NMG.