In villages of Somo PrehsoelehTownship, Karenni State, the spread of skin diseases among children under the age of 15 leads to the shortage of medicines for treatment, according to healthcare workers.

Due to the lack of medical supplies from the relevant administrative authorities, clinics have to rely only on donations collected from patients to purchase necessary medicines. But these funds are not sufficient to treat people infected with skin diseases, said a health officer, Maw Mae Moe.

“We can only provide medicine to severe cases now. There are no oral medicines, no ointments, and no injections. If the weather becomes hotter in the coming period, I think the number of cases will increase even more. That’s why we are now looking for donors to solve this problem,” said health officer Maw Mae Moe.

Adults are generally able to maintain personal hygiene, so infections among them are limited. However, the disease is spreading among children, according to local sources.

Patients with mild skin sores are given topical and oral medicines, while those with severe wounds require injections, said a male health worker providing treatment.

“The wounds have pus. Sometimes they feel unwell and have fever. Their appetite is poor. Since their hands and feet are affected, they find it difficult to eat properly. We usually give antiseptics and injections. But since the infection has been ongoing for a long time, our medicine supplies are no longer sufficient,” he explained.

Because wounds must be cleaned regularly with medical solutions, the availability of medicines is decreasing further. Although healthcare in Somo Prehsoeleh was initially provided free of charge with support from donors, over time, clinics have to start charging fees for expensive medicines such as injections.

Skin itching and infected sores are occurring continuously across Karenni State, including in Somo Prehsoeleh, in all seasons. Therefore, local residents are hoping to receive medical supplies from the relevant administrative authorities.