Civilians displaced from fighting in a remote and mountainous area of Kachin State desperately need medicine, according to the independent aid group, Kachin Back Pack Health Worker Team.
“They have few food rations and no access to medicine,” Mr Zet, in charge of the health team, told KNG. Even if they had medicine, he explained there are no medics in these remote mountains to treat cases of diarrhea caused by drinking dirty water. Fluctuating temperatures that are hot in the day and cold at night is causing respiratory illnesses for children and the elderly.
The conflict between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Burma Army displaced many people in Njangyang and Waingmaw townships. Although some have found shelter in the towns, others sought protection from the fighting in the jungle.
Mr Zet said occupants of Bum Rayang internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Njangyang Township need medicine, but that health workers can’t reach them without a guide. “If we have donors and a travel guide, we can travel to the IDPs in remote areas to provide medical services.”
Besides the townships already mentioned, civilians in Hpakant, Momauk and Bhamo townships have been affected by fighting that resumed in Kachin State in early March after armed forces gunned down two protesters in Myitkyina.
Mr Zet said that donors can contribute to his Kachin Back Pack Health Worker Team by calling +95 9 422 458 473.
