Pregnant Mothers and Children in Hpung Ngai Yang IDP Camp Face Shortages of Vaccines and Medicine

Pajau Media

May 17, 2025

Pregnant mothers and children in Hpung Ngai Yang displacement camp near Sumprabum town, Kachin State, are facing difficulties due to a lack of vaccines and essential medicines, according to sources.

“I’ve given birth before, but there weren’t enough medicines or skilled midwives there, so I had to come down to Myitkyina. If I need to deliver, I have to go to Myitkyina,” said a mother who traveled to Myitkyina to give birth.

Due to the absence of skilled midwives and insufficient medical supplies, pregnant women are forced to go to Myitkyina for childbirth. Additionally, traveling to Putao for delivery is also risky because the State Administration Council has set up checkpoints above Sumpi Yang. There are also reports that the SAC has threatened to take action against those holding Sumpi Yang village registration documents.

“We (those registered in Sumpi Yang village) can’t go there. Like during the COVID period, we are not allowed. The SAC has said that if they see Sumpi Yang villagers, they won’t allow contact or entry,” said a Sumpi Yang villager.

As a result, newborns and pregnant mothers must travel to Myitkyina to receive vaccinations. However, financial constraints, poor phone connectivity, and transportation difficulties have caused some to miss their vaccination appointments.

Additionally, in April, a newborn from Hpung Ngai Yang displacement camp died due to health complications.

News – Zaw