UNICEF recently joined a meeting in Kachin State aimed at helping the local government and health services to screen and respond to any suspected cases of the coronavirus or COVID-19.

No confirmed cases of the 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Myanmar have been reported to date, according to ReliefWeb.

However, the World Health Organization notes that it’s biologically plausible that there are cases in country which remain undetected, according to the NGO.

The focus remains on screening and preparedness with sustained efforts to improve awareness and hygiene behaviours throughout the country.

In addition to national coordination mechanisms, UNICEF participated in a one-day State Health Department workshop on preparedness planning for COVID -19 in Kachin State during which the government acknowledged challenges in screening and response capacity in non-government-controlled areas which share a porous border with China.

Similar meetings are happening in other states and regions as well, according to ReliefWeb.