Most displaced children in Karenni (Kayah) State are behind on their vaccinations, causing concern among their parents.
Following the military coup, children in remote rural areas displaced by the armed conflict in Karenni State are struggling to receive the required vaccinations.
“The first vaccination was not administered until the baby was six months old. Only then did we have enough money saved and could get the vaccination. We were able to hitchhike, but we were so far behind by then. The baby got very sick for a week or two after the vaccination. So we had to go to the hospital quickly. At that point, it occurred to me whether the baby’s illness was because he had not been vaccinated in time,” said a mother from an IDP camp.
A doctor, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, said infants or children one and a half or two months old should normally be vaccinated five times until over one year old.
“One and a half months is the earliest. They can also be two months old. There should be at least five vaccinations on this card – at two months, four months, six months, nine months and one and a half years,” the doctor said.
Under the current circumstances, it is difficult for IDPs in Karenni to afford transportation and other costs to bring their children to Loikaw for vaccinations.
“The trip is far, so our cash is used up just for car rental. Being displaced people ourselves, we often don’t have money. So when we plan to travel there, we have to set aside money a month or two before the trip. That’s just the way it is. Car rental is also expensive,” said Daw Ma Nwae, another mother from the camp.
She went on to explain that the IDPs from Karenni live in the forests far from clinics or hospitals, and that they face one difficulty or another in getting their children vaccinated.
“By time we have saved enough money, we can’t find a car. If we have the opportunity to hitchhike, we don’t have the money. That’s why the children often don’t get vaccinated. Then they fall behind on the vaccinations,” Daw Ma Nwae added.
According to medical professionals, children need to be vaccinated on time, and even if they are not vaccinated on time, late vaccination reduces the likelihood of getting sick, one doctor said.
“Even if they are vaccinated late, it can help reduce the likelihood of them getting diseases later in life. It may help children to some extent better than not being vaccinated at all,” he said.
Under current circumstances, it is difficult for IDPs to travel to downtown Loikaw for their children’s vaccinations because of ongoing armed conflict and transportation difficulties, according to displaced parents.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.