World News

Red Cross to help thousands in Myanmar | Conflicting Issues

The UN says 236,000 people in need of emergency assistance during the COVID-19 crisis and the military.

The Myanmar Red Cross is calling for the immediate response of hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar who have been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic and the uprising on February 1.

The agency, which is part of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), estimates that some 236,000 people in Myanmar are living in extreme poverty and in need of urgent food and financial assistance, it said on Tuesday.

“Covid-19 has caused economic hardship in Myanmar over the past year,” said Dr Htin Zaw Soe, Secretary-General of the Myanmar Red Cross Society. “The current crisis has exacerbated economic problems. Many people are struggling to make ends meet and have limited access to health care. ”

Myanmar experienced political turmoil four months ago when the military – led by Chief of Defense Forces Min Aung Hlaing – seized control of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and took control. Since then, thousands have taken to the streets to protest and a massive crackdown has weakened government and medical services and the military has used deadly force against more than 850 people.

The Red Cross says the seizure has exacerbated the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, which has led to the closure of shops and factories, leaving thousands without work. Those living in towns and cities were at greater risk, he added.

“With the increasing number of human needs we are preparing for what may be difficult at times,” said Joy Singhal, IFRC Country Director for Myanmar. “This means expanding in-depth and long-term care as well as training a few COVID-19 prevention strategies in the country.”

Anti-government protests continue in the country with the military using force to overthrow its government [Stringer/Reuters]

Just weeks after the World Health Organization launched a coronavirus infection last week, it showed that the disease had dropped dramatically to just one number even though there appeared to be no effort to stop the spread. In some border areas, armed groups that have fought in the past have he intervened to formulate their COVID-19 responses.

The Myanmar Red Cross states that more than 2,000 paramedics “played a key role in the current crisis, providing first aid, medical care and ambulances, in line with their principles of autonomy, neutrality and non-discrimination, for injured and / or patients. including pregnant women to improve productivity. ”

Doctors who work in front of these demonstrations are often available beaten by soldiers.

The Relief Society, the largest in Myanmar, has warned of impending hurricanes, which could put great strain on Myanmar residents, especially those along the coast.

Four of the five areas most at risk during the hurricane season – Ayeyarwady, Bago, Tanintharyi and Mon – have also been hit hard by the recent violence, the Red Cross said.

In anticipation of any damage, it is said that the installation of essential equipment with the help of emergency equipment and water treatment plants was planned.




Source link

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button