- विज्ञापन -
Mandalay: Following Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, thousands of displaced families are now facing a growing health crisis, with an increased risk of dengue outbreaks in makeshift camps, according to a press release from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In collaboration with local health authorities, the WHO has initiated an urgent prevention and control campaign in some of the worst-affected regions of the country.
“After losing everything in the earthquake, my daughter came down with a high fever,” recounted Daw Nandar, who is sheltering with her 8-year-old daughter under a plastic sheet in Mandalay. “Initially, we thought her fever was just due to the stress and heat of our situation. But as the days went by, it worsened. We had no money for treatment, no nearby clinic, and nowhere to seek help. Thankfully, the health workers arrived and tested her. Thanks to them, she received the necessary care and is now recovering more quickly.”
Daw Nandar’s story reflects the plight of many residents in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw, where the earthquake has resulted in not only structural damage but also precarious living conditions, stagnant water, and heightened exposure to mosquitoes. These factors create a conducive environment for the rapid transmission of dengue fever, particularly endangering children and pregnant women.
To prevent a secondary public health crisis, the WHO is distributing 4,500 rapid diagnostic test kits to frontline responders and health workers to ensure early detection and treatment of dengue cases in displacement sites and remote villages.
Additionally, 500 tent nets will be provided to protect children and infants from mosquito bites, along with a shipment of 6.2 tons of Temephos for targeted larviciding in areas identified as high-risk for mosquito breeding.
“Elena Vuolo**, Deputy Head of the WHO Country Office Myanmar, stated, “We can’t afford to let dengue become the next catastrophe. This intervention is about more than just controlling disease vectors; it’s about saving lives, reducing suffering, and building resilience for recovery. If we don’t take action now, a dengue outbreak is likely to occur in these open-air living conditions. Our support is focused on those who need it most.”
This dengue prevention initiative is part of the WHO’s comprehensive emergency health response, which also addresses earthquake-related injuries and prevents disease in overcrowded camps. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming monsoon season, which could significantly enhance mosquito populations and disease spread.
Overcrowded tents, poor waste management, and damaged infrastructure have all contributed to increased mosquito breeding in affected areas. Disrupted water supply systems have forced families to store water in open containers, posing an additional health risk. The lack of accessible healthcare in earthquake-impacted zones hampers the early diagnosis and treatment of dengue, potentially resulting in more severe cases.
“This is what building resilience means,” Vuolo remarked. “Preventing the next outbreak is crucial, especially for those who are most at risk—this is how we ensure stronger, healthier communities after such devastation.”
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the WHO launched a Flash Appeal for USD 8 million to provide life-saving trauma care, prevent infectious disease outbreaks, and restore basic health services in affected regions over the next 30 days. The agency continues to seek donor support, highlighting that every contribution helps sustain critical operations in the hardest-hit areas.
Amid overflowing temporary camps and damaged infrastructure, the WHO’s efforts emphasize the urgent need for public health to be prioritized in crisis responses. For families like Daw Nandar’s, the work of prevention may ultimately determine their survival or collapse.
