Direct Relief's Activities in Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation on the Andaman Sea, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. Slightly smaller than Texas, it is home to a population of 48,379,000 in its central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands. Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate with rainy hot humid summers (June to September) and more mild winters.

Approximately 80 percent of the population has access to sustainable clean water and sustainable improved sanitation. Life expectancy at birth is 60 years, and maternal mortality rates are 360 deaths per 100,000 deliveries. Major health concerns include food and waterbourne diseases including diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever, as well as dengue fever and malaria. Approximately 1.2% of adult population is infected with HIV.

Direct Relief has provided more than $2 million in medical material assistance in Myanmar in 2008, focusing on emergency relief following Cyclone Nargis by bolstering general healthcare services and providing supplies.

Key partners in Myanmar include Marie Stopes International, Myanmar Medical Association, and Better Burmese Health Care. These groups and others have coordinated efforts to help Cyclone Nargis victims recover from the devastation, providing emergency healthcare in remote areas.

Direct Relief's Partners in Myanmar