All health services provided by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the IDP camps along the Thai-Myanmar border have been temporarily halted due to a 90-day suspension of aid for international projects by the Donald Trump administration.
As a result of the suspension, clinics and hospitals in the refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border have been closed since 27 January. They are no longer permitted to use medicines or medical equipment for the next 90 days, according to the camp residents.
IDPs primarily rely on the clinic within the camp for their healthcare needs. Following the suspension, this has created significant challenges, particularly for the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women. Below is a summary of the health difficulties and concerns currently faced by the people in Karenni IDP Camp-1.
Maw Li Mal
I am very worried because if we get sick, it’s extremely difficult for us. It’s not just about me—there are elderly people with chronic diseases and children in the camps. Everyone’s health issues are different. Many people are suffering from chronic illnesses, including diabetes. From what I’ve heard, aid will be suspended for three months. I’m concerned about whether they will resume providing aid after this suspension and what kind of difficulties I will face during these three months. I am very worried. People never know when they will get sick. Some can afford medical expenses, but others can’t. I think our camp will face many difficulties during this time.
Maw Yal Mal
We’ll be in serious trouble if we no longer receive aid. It’s hard for us to access hospitals and clinics without donors or money. We simply can’t afford to pay. I have hypertension, and I urgently need to go to the clinic. If I get a high fever and can’t go, I would be stuck at home, and I fear I could die if that happens.
Maw Ti Mo
I am in good health because of the medicine I receive. The medicine makes me feel better, and it gives me a good appetite. But now, with the suspension, I don’t know what will happen next, and I can’t stop thinking about it. When I have pain or a headache, I feel better after seeing the doctors at the clinic. I’m always worrying, and I don’t know what I’ll do if the clinic shuts down. Without medicine, I think I will quickly die. We rely on the medicine to stay healthy, and I’m scared of what will happen if it’s no longer available. The IDPs like me depend entirely on the clinic.
Oo Reh
I want to share my thoughts on this, though I’m not sure if anything will change if I speak up. In emergencies, I believe the elderly and pregnant women should be able to go to the clinic. For people like us, it’s not that difficult to go. But with the complete shutdown, I’m really worried about my grandma and other elderly people, as well as pregnant women. They will be in real trouble without access to the clinic.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times