MYANMAR (ENGLISH)

CONTEXT

The 2021 coup d'état and the ensuing political and security developments continue to undermine the country's stability and chances for growth. In early 2024, the security situation in Myanmar further deteriorated, with armed clashes taking place in many parts of the country particularly in Rakhine, Kachin, Sagaing and the Southeast. Conflict, involving the deployment of heavy weapons, aerial bombardment and shooting, has driven a surge in displacement, civilian casualties, protection risks, and humanitarian needs. This situation of insecurity negatively impacts a country already heavily marked by vast areas of backwardness and severe socioeconomic inequalities. In fact, Myanmar currently ranks 144th on the Human Development Index (HDI) compiled by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP, 2024).

THE NEED

Myanmar's health situation has long been critical and has been further aggravated by the Covid 19 pandemic and the coup. Indeed, a large proportion of health care workers have joined the protest movement against the military government by abandoning hospitals and public services, thereby limiting accessibility to health care. Regarding disability specifically, the prevalence rate in Myanmar stands at 13 percent, meaning that nearly 5.9 million people have at least one disability (MIMU, 2021). Nevertheless, professional disability management and treatment skills are largely lacking, and we understand that there is only one specialized public center in the country and a Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy in 2 universities (Yangon and Mandalay). Finally, there are no specialized disciplines such as Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Special Education, just as there is a lack of expertise on intellectual disabilities, particularly autism.

I C.A.R.E. PROGRAMME - INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES ADVOCATING FOR THE RIGHTS OF REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Project funded by own funds and oblations
Partner: New Humanity International (NHI)

The Foundation's intervention in the country mainly takes the form of the I C.A.R.E. Program - Inclusive Communities Advocating for the Rights of Rehabilitation and Education of people with disabilities - which aims to strengthen the social assistance, health and rehabilitation services, education and social inclusion of children with disabilities and their families according to the Inclusive Community-Based Development (SIBC) approach.

As of December 2023, the Program is partially funded by UNICEF.
Specifically, the program includes the following activities directed at children with disabilities:

• individual rehabilitation in home-based settings and in program-supported centers;
• group rehabilitation activities in program-supported centers;
• assessment and distribution of aids;
• distribution of hygiene and nutritional kits;
• financial support for children with disabilities who need specialized care and examinations;
• awareness-raising activities on disabilities and issues related to the care of people with disabilities for parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members;
• training of local staff, program centers, and other local associations and NGOs.

RECIPIENTS

• People with disabilities and family members residing in the rural areas of Taunggyi and Keng Tung and the suburban area of Yangon (Dala, Insein, Hlaingthayar)
• People with disabilities housed at the Disabled Care Center in Yangon, Holy Infant Jesus Seminary in Taunggyi, St. Mary's in Keng Tung
• Medical, rehabilitation and socio-educational staff from program, other local NGOs and associations, and local health facilities.