Narinjara, April 26, 2025

Health workers and mothers in Rakhine state reported that women giving birth are experiencing difficulties because of airstrikes by the military council. 

At present, hospitals and clinics in Rakhine are shut down due to conflict, leaving women nearing childbirth to deliver in makeshift locations with the assistance of nearby health workers and local traditional midwives. 

A healthcare provider who recently had a baby noted that besides the challenges posed by the delivery site and anxiety over military airstrikes, the infant was permitted to return home sooner than originally planned.

"We must allow their return due to the air hazard and the challenging location. Previously, those who underwent a cesarean section had to stay for five days or even a week, but now, if they are healthy, we permit them to go home in just three days," he stated. 

Since November 2023, hospitals and clinics in numerous townships have been shut down due to renewed clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces in Rakhine. 

Currently, the AA has fully seized 14 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State; however, all hospitals and clinics in AA-controlled regions are shutting down due to concerns about airstrikes by junta forces.

A woman who delivered via caesarean section informed Narinjara that hospitals and clinics in areas controlled by the AA remain closed because of military council airstrikes, resulting in mothers having to seek convenient locations to give birth and encountering difficulties because of the poor road conditions. 

"Following the cesarean delivery, we were unable to place the baby in our desired location due to the restricted space. The heat was intense, making confinement quite uncomfortable. They were in a secure location. Because of the air pollution, we had to return home for three nights following the caesarean section. The roads were bumpy, so I was worried that the stitches might loosen from the surgical incision. I wasn't able to remain as long as I ought to. I typically remain for five days," he stated.

Because of the military council's blockade in Rakhine, birth attendants report a severe shortage of medicines and a dramatic rise in prices. 

In November 2023, the military council cited the conflict as a reason to close all pathways linking Rakhine to the mainland as well as all local transportation routes, leading to a shortage of goods and medicines in the region. 

It was additionally stated that numerous avoidable deaths took place last year because hospitals and clinics in Rakhine State could not be opened and there was a lack of medicines.