At least six civilians displaced by conflict in Chin state—a pregnant woman, two infants, and three elderly people—have died from lack of access to medical care since fighting erupted between Myanmar’s military and the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) militia two months ago, RFA reported.

The deaths come as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated 230,000 people have been displaced by fighting and violence this year and efforts to assist them are being hampered by armed clashes and insecurity.

More than 20,000 people were sheltering at 100 displacement areas in Chin state bordering India, while 177,000 people were displaced in Kayah state bordering Thailand, according to OCHA.

Photo: This handout from Karen Medical Information received on May 7, 2021, shows a medical staff member talking to internally displaced people in Karen State, following airstrikes in the area by the Myanmar military after the February 1 coup. Photo: AFP