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 April

Dear Dr. Veronika,

I hope you and your team are fine and healthy. I want to write a monthly overview report for IRD April trip and activities. Our April trip had finished safely and successfully. During this trip, our team provided the medical treatment for 8 villages and after the trip, our boat departure to Yangon for maintenance in the dockyard.

In April we had three main tasks to accomplish: First, before ship maintenance, our team continued provided medical treatmen. Second, boat repair and maintenance in Yangon. Third, during the boat maintenance, our team provided medical treatment for refugees- IDPs camp in Yangon.

According to ICD result, we got the total amount of children and adults’ patients of 1318 patients. This number includes both general patients (70 %) and dental patients (30 %). We checked a total number of 34 pregnant women for AN care and did lab test for 30 of them. In total 129 patients got laboratory test in April and total number of 570 children (< 15 years) came for medical check-ups. Th total deworming rate for April is 300.

On the evening of April 6th, our sailor team depart to Yangon for boat repairing and maintenance. As you know, this is a regular work once a year. The maintenance work refers to all activities related to caring for our vessel. This could include fixing problems with the engine, pump systems, electrical system, cleaning inside and outside, updating navigational technology and removing debris or clearing out lockers as maintenances tasks. It took 22 days to complete all of that.

During the maintenance of boat, our medical team provided medical treatment at refugees - IDPs Camp in Wett in Pauk village, Hlegu Township, Yangon Region. Here we spend two days on April 21 - 22. In those camps, we got total number of 762 patients including both general patients 457 patients and dental patients 249. On the last day, we distributed toothpaste, toothbrush, mosquito repellent lotion and antibacterial soaps. And we shared knowledge to parents and children about dental education and health education for hand washing. They were all so happy and thankful.

Now, our team restarted for the May trip. Now the rainy season has started in Myanmar and therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the boat and staff, we cannot go to the two villages Byue Sa Khan and Pyat Pyee.

In my conclusion, I would like to say thanks to Artemed Stiftung and all donors for your continue support and love for Myanmar people, IRD operation. I am very happy to be able to work together with you. Wishing you all the best and God Bless you all.

With Respect,

Su Su @ Myanmar

With Best regards,

Su Su

News from the Mother and Child Center, Bogale

In February, 14 babies were born in our MCC. All were born healthy. A total of 180 women visited the center for check-ups. A further 3 came for follow-up checks and 16 for other gynecological complaints.

All 14 babies were examined as a precaution. Twelve of them were found to be slightly underweight, but this should improve over the next few weeks. The parents were asked to bring their children for a follow-up examination.

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