Cologne/Yangon. An increasing number of people are falling ill in Myanmar’s earthquake-affected areas due to contaminated water. Water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed in numerous communities. Many people have been left homeless or without safe access to drinking water. As a consequence, illnesses such as watery diarrhea and other life-threatening diseases are emerging. “Especially for young children and older people, watery diarrhea combined with dehydration can quickly lead to death. Additionally, contaminated water used to clean wounds significantly increases the risk of infections for injured individuals. Therefore, it’s crucial to quickly establish access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care,” says Arno Coerver, Malteser International’s Global WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) advisor.

Life-saving WASH measures, medical aid, and targeted distribution of relief supplies

“Our priority is ensuring access to clean water, primary medical care, and hygiene supplies,” explains Coerver, who maintains contact with local teams from abroad. Malteser International and its partners are primarily focused on the regions of Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and southern Shan State, where thousands of people are living in emergency shelters or in the open. WASH teams are repairing damaged water pipes, building emergency latrines, and distributing soap and chlorine tablets for water purification. Small medical teams are treating injured people and providing urgently needed medications and first aid materials. Additionally, hygiene products for women and girls, baby care items, rainwater collection kits, tarpaulins, ropes, and household supplies for meal preparation are being distributed.

Due to significant logistical and political challenges, Malteser International relies on close collaboration with local structures and civil society organizations to deliver aid efficiently and directly to those in need.

Attention editorial team:

German and English-speaking experts from Malteser International are available for interviews and sound bites in Germany and Myanmar.

For more information and interviews, please contact: olga.palinkasev@malteser-international.org

The people in Myanmar and Thailand are in urgent need of donations.