Myanmar Crisis

Home to more than 50 million people, Myanmar (Burma) shares borders with Bangladesh, China, Laos, India and Thailand. Myanmar’s people comprise more than 130 ethnic nationalities and speak more than 100 languages and dialects. Since gaining independence from British rule in 1948, the country’s politics have been dominated by military regimes. Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and among the most vulnerable globally to the climate crisis.

After a period of democratization, beginning in 2010, the military again seized power in February 2021. The escalation of conflict across the country has plunged Myanmar into a full-scale, multidimensional crisis. Communities across the country are experiencing surging violence, insecurity, displacement, and poverty.

Humanitarian Emergency

Millions of people across Myanmar now struggle to access essential needs such as health care, safe water, shelter, and adequate nutrition.

More than three million people are displaced, half of them children. More than 18 million people, including at least 6 million children, need humanitarian assistance.

Economic Collapse

Myanmar’s economy is in freefall. The UN estimates that nearly half of Myanmar’s population (more than 26 million people) has fallen below the national poverty line. A further 25% are hovering on the edge of poverty, and rampant inflation is pulling them ever closer. Additionally, one-fifth of the population is grappling with acute food insecurity, placing Myanmar among the world’s ten most severe food crises.

Impact on Children

Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis. They are suffering displacement, interrupted health care and education, food insecurity and malnutrition. Many lack shelter and safe water, and face protection risks, including mental trauma.

Due to rising poverty, insecurity and displacement, as many as one-third of Myanmar’s school-age children are not enrolled in any form of learning. Children excluded for several years will suffer lifelong impacts.

Public Health Crisis

Families across Myanmar are struggling to access essential health care as government-provided services fall back and poverty, violence, and insecurity increase.

The implications for public health are profound: Children miss routine immunization and other essential health services. Pregnant women can’t access prenatal care and safe births. Health providers struggle to sustain prevention and treatment for diseases like malaria, HIV, and TB.

How You Can Help

Your gift to Community Partners International will have an immediate and significant impact for children and families in urgent need across Myanmar.

Our network of community partners on the ground, nurtured over more than 25 years, is delivering lifesaving aid where it’s needed most, and helping communities build resilient systems to serve them long into the future.