On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing more than 3,700 people, displacing some 3.5 million and causing catastrophic damage to homes, hospitals and health infrastructure.
Myanmar already had the fifth-highest number of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally—approximately 20 million—stemming from years of civil war. Once this disaster struck, they needed help more than ever.
Within a matter of days, International Medical Corps deployed an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 Mobile unit outside the severely damaged 300-bed General Hospital near the country’s capital in Nay Pyi Taw. Our team of dedicated volunteer doctors, nurses and specialists provided direct health consultations and related services to affected community members from April 21 to May 18.
We also partnered with local non-governmental organizations the Center for Social Integrity (CSI), Myanmar Heart Development Organization (MHDO) and the Community Development Association (CDA), which continued International Medical Corps’ work after our EMT deployment ended.
Together, International Medical Corps and our partners provided almost 11,100 people with lifesaving care in the wake of this devastating earthquake.
Our ImpactIn the EMT’s four weeks of operation, our team directly:
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After International Medical Corps’ EMT deployment concluded, we continued working with CSI, MHDO and CDA to provide direct health services through the beginning of August, enabling us to help an additional 9,777 people.
International Medical Corps provided CSI and MHDO with the EMT infrastructure and logistical support needed to continue operations, as well as a robust supply of essential medicines, medical equipment, supplies and non-food items (NFIs)—including antibiotics, vital-signs monitors, gauze, bandages and more.
From April 29 to August 19, throughout affected communities in Mandalay and Sagaing provinces, CSI:
- conducted 4,703 health consultations;
- treated 567 cases of acute respiratory infection;
- reached 898 people through health education sessions;
- distributed 688 hygiene kits and 688 NFI kits;
- provided clean water to 1,249 people; and
- installed one submersible water pump, 12 gender-segregated mobile toilets, four bathing stations, six handwashing stations, three water tanks and seven solar-powered lighting systems at a camp for displaced people.
From June 1 to August 18, in the Aungmyethazan township of Mandalay province, MHDO:
- conducted 1,237 health consultations;
- treated 92 cases of acute respiratory infections;
- reached 732 people through health education sessions;
- treated 147 cases of skin disease; and
- conducted 31 antenatal care check-ups.
International Medical Corps has a history of responding in Myanmar, including to flooding in 2014 and 2015, and to Cyclone Nargis in 2008. You can help mend the lives broken by this disaster by supporting our work today.
