September 17th, 2021
The Karenni Civil Society Network (KCSN) has called on international aid organizations to provide cross-border aid to the Karenni refugees who are infected with COVID-19.
Khu Ko Yal, Spokesperson of the KCSN said: “We cannot expect medicines from the military council. That’s to say, the international organizations are to provide aid to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). For instance, medicines and food. We need medicine for COVID-19 patients. The international organizations should provide cross-border aid. We face many challenges and are in need of aid due to the spreads of Covid-19 at the IDP camps. Unlike the town, the IDP camps have no sufficient medicines, nurses and doctors. Infections at the IDP camps are very worrying.”
In late August, there were reports of Covid-19 confirmed cases at the IDP camps in Loikaw Township in Karenni State. Forty-five people tested positive for the virus in Hteephoekalo village-tract in Demawsoe Township. Some severe patients are sent to the town, according to the KCSN.
The Ministry of Health under the Military Council is releasing information about COVID-19 infections in regions and states every day. According to the statement on September 16th, there were two deaths and 77 confirmed cases in Karenni State—29 in Hpasawng Township, 26 in Mese Township, 18 in Loikaw Township and four in Dwemawsoe Township.
As the military-backed Heath Ministry does not take account of the cases in the IDP camps, the number of cases on the ground may be higher than that, according to the KCSN.
Karenni IDPs are in need of food, accommodation and medicine. Those helping the IDPs said the COVID-19 infections at the IDP camps make their work more difficult.
Local organizations are providing necessary assistance by different means. International aid groups need to provide cross-border aid as the Military council’s troops disrupt the delivery of aid by local aid groups, said the KCSN.
Sent by the NMG.