Health and nutrition

The physical and mental health of an entire generation of Myanmar’s children is threatened by the current crisis. Ongoing conflict, along with social, economic, and political uncertainty, has placed the lives, wellbeing, and futures of Myanmar’s children at risk.

A combination of economic shock, the near-collapse of the health system, and widespread conflict has severely damaged basic social safety nets, denying many children access to essential services such as clean water and healthcare. Good quality food, clean water, safety, education and consistent care and protection are currently beyond the reach of many children and families.

Uncertain futures

Myanmar’s ongoing social and economic upheaval threatens children’s futures, as well as the long-term prosperity of their communities.

• Children under the age of two face irreversible physical and cognitive delays if they are left undernourished for too long, and may even die.
• Maternal undernutrition poses serious risks for both mother and child; malnourished mothers may not be able to adequately feed already underweight newborns.
• When children miss out on routine immunization, they lack protection against measles, polio, diphtheria and other diseases that can leave them with severe lifelong disability and even kill.
• Under-fives are particularly vulnerable to large outbreaks of diarrhoea that result from disrupted access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
• Prolonged disruption of services, including routine immunization, may result in outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases and increases in morbidity and mortality.