The Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) has warned that rising mosquito breeding rates in Arakan (Rakhine) State could lead to a surge in mosquito-borne diseases. HDCO functions as the humanitarian arm of the Arakan Army (AA) and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA).
In Arakan State, where many residents have been displaced by the junta’s indiscriminate attacks, abandoned homes have fallen into disrepair, with stagnant water and overgrown bushes creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the HDCO announced on September 18.
On the other hand, the growing number of Arakan State residents displaced by clashes has led to increasingly crowded refugee camps, raising the risk of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks, the HDCO pointed out.
“Refugee camps are already struggling with poor water drainage. People living in camps situated in valleys and forests face a higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases, so taking preventive measures is really important. Otherwise, illnesses like malaria and dengue fever could easily affect them,” said a healthcare worker from Arakan State.
Since fighting resumed in Arakan State on November 13, 2023, the number of displaced people in the region has risen to nearly 600,000, according to HDCO figures.
Some displaced people are not staying in residential areas but are living in temporary huts in forests, plains, and meadows, making it difficult for them to access adequate healthcare.
War refugees are already struggling with food shortages and livelihood crises, and an aid worker assisting them warned that an outbreak of infectious diseases could worsen their plight due to limited medicine and inadequate healthcare.
“They had to flee quickly, so they couldn’t take the essentials with them, no blankets, no mosquito nets. Some have set up temporary shacks in the fields and are living in makeshift conditions. There’s a real worry that sleeping without mosquito nets will expose them to mosquito-borne diseases, especially the children. And if they do get sick, there’s a fear they won’t be able to get proper treatment,” said a humanitarian worker from Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township.
Currently, HDCO is collaborating with the Arakan Public Health Department to implement measures against mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
As part of these measures, HDCO distributed 6,850 mosquito nets to 4,851 households, covering a total of 23,286 people, including both residents and displaced individuals, in AA-controlled areas of Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Minbya, Pauktaw, Ann, Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Taungup, and Gwa townships in Arakan State, as well as Plaetwa Township in Chin State.
