Pajau Media
4 February 2025
A skin infection has emerged within the IDP camp located in Labang Kahtawng village, WaingMaw Township, Kachin State, where approximately 600 displaced individuals reside in more than 100 shelters. According to reports from the displaced population, the situation has worsened recently, affecting both children and adults with this skin ailment.
Nearly all children residing in the IDP camp are experiencing skin infections; however, the absence of available medication for treatment is resulting in the spread of these infections from newborns to the elderly.
“Mostly all children are impacted by skin conditions. There are no topical treatments available, making it challenging to eliminate. As the affected children do not recover swiftly, it has also begun to affect us adults,” said a displaced woman.
A staff from WaingMaw Public Hospital indicated that the surge of infectious diseases among displaced individuals may be attributed to insufficient access to clean water, inadequate food supplies, and poor personal hygiene practices.
“Due to the nature of the IDP camp, which accommodates a large population and suffers from inadequate sanitation, the transmission of infections occurs rapidly. Additionally, the presence of numerous children, who often engage in play without proper handwashing, contributes to the spread of infections among individuals,” as noted by a member of the hospital staff.
The prevalence of infectious diseases is notably greater among infants and one-year-old children, and the rate of infection remains significant. Furthermore, there has been an observed increase in infections among adults in recent times.
At present, the displaced individuals are being supported by appropriate organizations; however, they are facing a shortage of medical supplies and are suffering from frequent colds and coughs attributed to climate change. Additionally, the prevalence of infectious diseases has persisted for a duration of five months.
Comments