After the military coup on 1 February 2021 is Myanmar in a state of emergency. Every day, many hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets to demonstrate against the military regime. As expected, the military reacts with violence. Hundreds of opponents of the military were taken from their homes at night and arrested. Security forces are firing live ammunition at demonstrators. At least 18 people have died so far. Despite the escalation, many people continued to gather in the streets and fight for democracy.

The arrests of many employees from the healthcare sector are particularly worrying. They are considered a driving force in the fight against the military regime. The arrests, intimidation and harassment are jeopardizing patient care for the general population. It can be assumed that the mass arrests are also likely to lead to a further spread of COVID-19. The team members of the Irrawaddy River Doctors are fortunately unharmed and free.

The conditions under which we work at Myanmar and the care provided to patients by the Irrawaddy River Doctors are becoming increasingly difficult. But we are optimistic that we will be able to continue our projects. After all, we see it as our duty to help people who have to live in the most basic conditions on the ground - regardless of their origin, age, religion or political affiliation. We will therefore continue to provide unbiased medical aid for as long as circumstances allow. We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our activities as necessary.