A shortage of healthcare workers has prevented the implementation of disease prevention and public health awareness programs in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, raising concerns about the potential outbreak of seasonal diseases, according to local health assistants.
In previous years, healthcare workers conducted preventive measures and monthly health awareness campaigns. However, the current shortage has halted these efforts, resulting in more frequent seasonal infectious diseases than in previous years, some healthcare workers report.
A healthcare worker stated: “Dengue fever used to primarily affect children, but now we’re seeing it in adults too. In the past, we held dengue awareness talks and conducted source reduction campaigns. Now, with insufficient healthcare staff, we can’t carry out these preventive measures. This is particularly true in these areas where healthcare workers are critically scarce.”
Rising daytime temperatures have also led to an increase in diarrhea among young children, local residents report.
A local resident said: “Many children are coming to clinics with diarrhea. We’ve seen three or four cases already. Just this morning, we had cases due to contaminated water or unhygienic food. The high temperatures, hot days followed by evening rain, are also contributing factors.”
Health education talks and outreach programs in rural areas to raise awareness about seasonal infectious diseases are currently not feasible, healthcare workers noted.
The reliance on treating outbreaks only after they occur poses significant challenges.
Moreover, essential medicines, primarily transported by air, are becoming more expensive due to high costs, they added.
Before the military coup, Homalin Township, with a population of over 250,000, had 21 doctors, 43 nurses, and 11 healthcare assistants.
Now, only 7 doctors, 17 nurses, and 4 healthcare assistants remain, according to healthcare workers.
Sent by Shanni Voice.
