Thousands of Skin Disease Cases Reported in Flood-Affected Villages of Minbya Township

 Salai Moe Aung, Narinjara News, 2 October 2024

In the flood-affected villages of Minbya Township, Arakan State, the lack of timely prevention and treatment has led to a rise in skin diseases, affecting thousands of local residents.

In flood-affected villages of Minbya Township, Arakan State, a surge in skin diseases has been observed due to the lack of timely prevention and treatment, affecting thousands of local residents.

According to Ko Henry, a Chin resident from Minbya Township, heavy rains from August 1st to 9th and again from September 10th to 16th led to flash floods and subsequent emergence of skin diseases among adults and children.

"After the flood, when this skin disease first emerged, there were only ten cases in one village. Now, the numbers are rising. If we combine the Arakanese and Chin villages along the Pan Myaung Gyi creek that were flooded, there are thousands suffering from skin diseases," he said.

“Initially reported as ten cases in one village after the flood event, the number has now risen significantly. Across the Arakanese and Chin villages along Pan Myaung Gyi creek that were affected by flooding, thousands are now suffering from skin diseases,” Ko Henry said.

The villages currently affected by skin diseases in Minbya Township include Daing Thar, Gwa Sone, Htein Pin-Pauk Taw, Shwe Kyin, Pyin Yaung, Nga/Tar, U Pyan Taung, and Chaung To. Previously, around 400 local residents in these villages were affected by skin diseases, but now thousands are reported to be impacted.

The incidence of skin diseases in Minbya Township is increasing compared to before, but so far, they have not received medical support from any organizations.

The affected villages currently include Daing Thar, Gwa Sone, Htein Pin-Pauk Taw, Shwe Kyin, Pyin Yaung, Nga/Tar, U Pyan Taung, and Chaung To. Previously impacting around 400 locals in these areas,the cases have now grown into thousands. However, lack of medical support has been experienced so far.

Consequently, local residents have been using leaves and roots from the forest and mountains for treatment, but there has been no cure.

"It may be due to the difficult communication routes. Some people might think this disease is common, but it is occurring in every village. When you look at its monthly occurrence, it seems linked to water and resembles an infectious disease. Injections are necessary, but I doubt that one injection will suffice.

There is a shortage of medicine, and what is available is very expensive. It’s not easy for ordinary people to afford treatment in this situation, so some are turning to traditional medicine," said a resident of Gwa Sone village in Minbya Township.

Local residents have resorted to using forest leaves and roots for treatment with no success. The disease appears tied to water, and its monthly occurrence suggests an infectious nature. Injections seem necessary,but are scarce and expensive, making it difficult for ordinary people to afford proper treatment. Many have turned to traditional medicine as an alternative solution,said a resident of Gwa Sone village in MinbyaTownship.

Around the third week of August, a skin disease outbreak occurred in a village on Ah Lel Pha Yone Kar Island, Pauktaw Township, where about 130 displaced families were sheltering.

In late August, a skin disease outbreak also occurred in a village on Ah Lel Pha Yone Kar Island, PauktawTownship where about130 displaced families were sheltering.

Additionally, at the Pan Ni Lar IDP Camp in Ponnagyun Township, more than 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children and the elderly, have been drinking contaminated water since March due to a lack of clean drinking water, resulting in the outbreak of skin diseases.

Since the resurgence of fighting in Arakan State, the junta has blocked all land and waterways, leaving the people of Arakan without access to food, medicine, and basic necessities.

Additionally, in Pan Ni Lar IDP Camp, PonnagyunTownship, affecting over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children and the elderly due to lack of clean drinking water since March, resulting in skin disease outbreaks

Recent fighting in Arakan State has compounded the situation: land and waterways have been blocked by the junta, resulting in limited access for Arakan people to food and medicine and basic necessities.