The situation in Myanmar is dire. In 2024, over 18.6 million people need urgent help. The public healthcare system has nearly collapsed, and ongoing violence has left many without basic services. To make matters worse, outbreaks of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) and cholera are spreading, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
To tackle this crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has teamed up with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). They sent two experts to provide essential support. These experts, from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), worked remotely to help manage the outbreaks.
The experts focused on several key areas: they provided guidance on handling outbreaks and used data to inform preventive measures. They worked closely with WHO and other partners to identify high-risk areas, ensuring that outbreaks were detected and managed quickly.
Their efforts resulted in the development of tools to predict how cholera and AWD spread. This information helps coordinate response efforts and prioritize actions based on actual data.
“We adapt to different challenges,” said Armand Bejtullahu, GOARN Manager. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we relied more on remote support when on-site help was not possible. We continue this approach to make sure those in need get the assistance they require.”
Dr. Fernando Thushara, WHO Country Representative in Myanmar, praised the support from GOARN experts. “Their skills in outbreak management have significantly improved our readiness and coordination with our partners,” he said.
The remote teams also produced valuable analytics that guide inter-agency responses for both prevention and management of the outbreaks. Their efforts help sustain the response by training and guiding local partners in tackling AWD and cholera.
Dr. Nilesh Buddha, Acting Regional Emergency Director in New Delhi, highlighted the ongoing collaboration. “We’ll continue to work with GOARN to address the spreading risks and enhance surveillance activities, which are crucial for effective responses and recovery in the region.”
The efforts by GOARN have significantly helped reduce the risks of AWD and cholera transmission. While progress is being made, ongoing support is vital for improving outbreak surveillance and recovery in Myanmar. GOARN remains dedicated to providing remote expertise to bolster the country’s public health initiatives.
