In Daai Region 2, located within Paletwa Township of Chin State, malaria and dengue fever are widespread, claiming the lives of five children in just four months. Daai Region 2, covering areas in Paletwa near Mindat, Kanpetlet and Matupi townships, is experiencing the impact of these mosquito-borne diseases on both children and adults of the Daai ethnic communities.

“On September 15, a 5-year-old child, who was one of three patients in critical condition, sadly died of dengue fever. Schools in the region have been closed, as most of the teachers and children are sick, dealing with malaria or dengue fever. The outbreak started in June and eased for a while, but the situation worsened again in the first week of September. The healthcare system here is weak, and there’s an urgent need for electrolytes and malaria medication,” a local said.

Daai Region 2 has 53 villages, and nearly all of them are affected by malaria and flu, affecting both children and adults.

In Thanchaung Village, four children have died, and one child in Hom Village has also succumbed to these diseases over the past four months. Locals said that many children remain seriously ill.

In Daai Region 2, there is an urgent need not only for antimalarial drugs and electrolytes but also for skilled healthcare workers, according to locals. 

photo credit - CJ