New horror stories reach us every day from Myanmar. The military's violent crackdown on demonstrators is increasing, and martial law was declared in parts of Yangon yesterday. Since the military seized power, tens of thousands of people have been taking to the streets of Myanmar every day. The security forces are using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition against the demonstrators. Even in Bogale, the location of the Irrawaddy River Doctors in the south of Myanmar, there are daily demonstrations. And here, too, the police and military are becoming increasingly violent. In the last few days, we received the following message from Su Myat Oo, our project manager on the ground:

"For February 2021, we all have suffered from shock by military coup. It is still making us hopeless and helpless. We all are feeling unsafe at night and even in day time. We ,all of the team members of IRD, are feeling weak and stressful. However, we will do our best in this situation. We will stay strong even our hearts are feeling broken and hopeless. No words to describe how the condition is. What I want to say on behalf of my team is Thank You very much Artemed Stiftung for worrying for us and supporting us in this situation. Thank you our German friends from every working fields for worrying for us. Your kind words make us feeling strong and courageous again. God Bless You all. Hoping to get back our fine and happy time soon."

As there are currently very few supplies of medication and materials, the Irrawaddy River Doctors remain stationed in Bogale and treat many patients there every day. The local hospital has closed and the IRD are one of the few options for the local population to receive medical care.