Every month, our project manager in Myanmar Su Myat Oo (called Su Su) sends us a summary of the activities at the Irrawaddy River Doctors and at the mother and child center. She also gives us an insight into the current situation in the politically unstable Myanmar and the impact this is having on the local people.

We reproduce her impressive report in the original English language. Here are her observations for the month of February:

Dear Dr. Veronika,

I hope you are fine and healthy. I want to report that our February trip was finished safeldy. During this month, our team was able to provide the medical treatment for 14 villages and to visite to schools for health and dental education.

According to February trip schedule, our team worked for 22 days. In total 2084 patientes could be treated by the team (children and adults). 67 % of the patients came for general check-ups and 33 % due to dental problems. A total number of p74regnancy women came to our boat for AN care check-up. We did laboratory test for 60 of them pregnant women. Additional 75 laboratory test were done for other reasons. During February 660 children under 15 years came for medical check-ups. They got medical treatment and including dental treatment. And the total number of children under one-year for medical treatment was 28. Total number of deworming pills distribution is 439.

During this trip our team continued to provide the medical treatment that coughing, respiratory infection, headache, Malaria, Dengue, Hepatitis, Syphilis, HIV, diabetes mellitus ,disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and many more.

Concerning the dental treatment, we continued to help patients suffering from dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, sometimes oral ulcer and tongue ulcer due to sharp edges of the teeth. For the Filling procedure, composite filling, glass ionomer filling as temporary and sometimes Zinc Oxide eugenol were used as medicated filling. We also informed out patient about the correct brush teeth, and we support related medicine for some dental patients.

In this month, we got more patients than during the previous months because we visited one more village. Additionally, we visited two schools for medical check-up, health and dental education. We also continued the distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste, mosquito repellent lotion and soaps, and deworming pills for the students.

We would like to thank Dr. Solveig and Mr. Ralf for visiting us in Myanmar. A special thanks goes again to Artemed Stiftung and Dr. Veronika for the support where we need it the most.We are totally aware of the fact that visiting Myanmar these days is realted to many comlications we appreciate it even more that they tried to come and visit us. That shows us how much you all love and care for us. All the staff was very happy to meet them again, even we only had little time. It was great that we could organize to mmidwives trainings(we reported) at MCC and that Dr. Solveig shared her knowlegde about how to take care of new mothers and children and that she was able to do some workshope and trainings for all attendants. This training was an amazing experience for the young midwives and our staffs.

According to March trip schedule, our team will departure to Kyak Ye village on Feb ^28th afternoon. In every trip, we faced different challenges and problem but we don't give up and we are trying to move on and to help for who needed our help. I would like to say thanks to Artemed Stiftung and all donors for your continue support and love for Myanmar operations.

Su Su @ Myanmar

With Best regards,

Su Su

News from the Mother and Child Center, Bogale

In February, 13 babies were born in our MCC. All of them were born healthy. A total of 138 women visited the center for check-ups. A further 5 came for follow-up checks and 9 for other gynecological complaints.

15 children under the age of 5 came for a check-up. One three-year-old girl was diagnosed with severe malnutrition. The girl was treated.

Take a look at our baby gallery: all children born at the MCC are welcomed here.