An interview with Ko Naing Naing Zaw, head of Lay Waddy Patriotic Youth Charity Association, about health and livelihood challenges faced by displaced people in Ann Township
In Arakan State, over 600,000 people have been displaced due to intense military conflict. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are facing numerous challenges in terms of food, medicine, shelter and other basic needs.
Among them, over 2,000 displaced people from Ann Township are experiencing severe hardship due to limited humanitarian assistance.
Due to fighting between the military junta troops and the Arakha Army (AA), and road blockades by the junta, local organizations are also facing difficulties in providing aid to displaced people.
Given this situation, Development Media Group (DMG) interviewed Ko Naing Naing Zaw, head of Lay Waddy Patriotic Youth Charity Association, to learn more about the health and livelihood challenges faced by those displaced in Arakan’s Ann Township.
Q: Please tell us about the situation of displaced people in Ann Township.
A: According to our data, there are about 1,700-1,800 displaced people currently. However, there could be many more people in areas we can’t reach. Previously, Ann Township alone had over 4,000-5,000 displaced people. However, due to security concerns, people keep moving from one place to another. This makes it difficult to get exact numbers. They’re scattered and mobile.
Q: What about their health situation?
A: Talking about their health situation, skin diseases are particularly severe now. It’s happening across various Arakan’s townships – like Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Gwa, Taungup, Ann, and Mrauk-U. There’s one key difference between displaced people in Ann Township and other townships. Ann Township is extremely cold. This leads to frequent health issues and even deaths. In recent months, three displaced persons died in Ann Township – one over 50 years old, one about 3 years old, and one around 1 year old.
Q: How is their livelihood situation?
A: Along with health deficiencies, they are facing numerous livelihood challenges. Some areas can’t be reached by donors. When that happens, people have to manage however they can. We see many people struggling along the Yoma Mountain Range. Living conditions vary by location. Those in IDP camps may face food shortages but adequate shelter. Others lack both food and proper shelter. Currently, besides food, healthcare assistance is also a crucial need.
Q: What is Lay Waddy Patriotic Youth Charity Association currently doing?
A: We’re currently fulfilling our original mission of helping displaced people. We’re also providing assistance for fire and flood victims, as well as healthcare services in the Arakan State wherever we can.
Q: What challenges do you face during rescue operations?
A: There are many challenges now with internet and phone lines cut off in Arakan. When we go to the ground to count displaced people and plan aid delivery for the next day, the numbers have often increased significantly. We can’t get updates. Also, we worry about our safety due to the conflict. Now when we deliver aid, we only worry about landmine remnants and air strikes – other concerns have lessened. Travel in AA-controlled areas has become smoother now.
Q: What other activities is your organization doing in the region?
A: Since February 2025, we’ve been providing free education support for children who lost parents in the conflict and those who lost limbs and are struggling severely. We’re also providing financial support to families who have lost members in the conflict and those who have lost their homes.
Q: What else would you like to add about the displaced persons’ situation?
A: I believe that the displaced people of Arakan understand the current situation. Because, for us, at a time when certain things are still not possible, our survival is the top priority, and we know it will be difficult. But we must persevere and overcome these difficulties. These challenges, when compared to the years we went through about 240 years ago, may be similar in nature, but I believe we have a significant advantage in terms of mental strength.”
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).