Skin rash crisis strikes Myanmar’s Gwa Township amid ongoing clashes

Thousands of displaced people are suffering from a skin rash outbreak in Gwa Township, Rakhine State this week, and are urgently in need of medical assistance, according to local sources. The Gwa Township IDP Relief Joint Group reports that an unknown skin rash has affected 3,797 people, including 600 children under the age of 10, and another 601 individuals aged 10 to 18. Although some relief groups on the ground are providing medical treatment, those affected do not have sufficient medicine to adequately treat their illnesses. Relief groups told Myanmar Now that they are in need of urgent support. "Medicine is expensive and scarce, making it difficult for us to receive the necessary treatment to help those affected on the ground,” an official from the Gwa IDP Relief Joint Group group said, requesting anonymity. “We still need a lot of medical support and assistance.” Since November 13, 2023, the junta has blocked land and sea routes to Rakhine amid increased clashes with the Arakan Army (AA) causing severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies. The blockade has left civilians struggling to access basic healthcare, with a five-day supply of oral and topical medications costing around 20,000 kyat ($10 US dollars) per person, according to healthcare guidelines. Relief workers say the outbreak is exasperated by overcrowded conditions in sprawling refugee camps. At the same time, the junta’s air force continues to carry out airstrikes, which has led to contamination of water wells and water reservoirs in the area, sources say. "The military has been bombing civilian homes and monasteries with aircraft, so bombs and toxic substances are getting into people's water supplies and reservoirs,” the source said. “When people drink this water, we believe it causes skin rashes.” The Gwa IDP relief group is collaborating with healthcare staff to conduct field inspections, survey affected areas, raise awareness on skin rash prevention and treatment, and distribute prescribed medications to those in need. On December 29 last year, the AA successfully captured the town of Gwa after weeks of intense clashes. Although the AA has taken control of the majority of Rakhine State, the regime continues to target Gwa and other towns under AA control, resulting in scores of civilian casualties over recent months. The AA currently controls the India-Paletwa and Bangladesh-Maungdaw borders, allowing some medicine and goods to enter the state, though prices remain high. Meanwhile, intense clashes between the AA and junta forces continue across Rakhine, further disrupting supply routes and worsening shortages. Skin rash outbreaks are also common in Karenni (Kayah) State, particularly in Demoso and Hpruso townships, with some people suffering for months at a time. Health professionals say water shortages are common from February through mid-year, with limited access to clean water increasing the risk of skin rashes and infections. Hot, humid conditions and poor sanitation further exacerbate these health issues, particularly in overcrowded areas.

Skin rash crisis strikes Myanmar’s Gwa Township amid ongoing clashes

Healthcare workers report increased skin rash cases as overcrowded conditions and tainted water worsen the situation

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