Myanmar: MSF to resume HIV/AIDS and all other activities in Kachin, Shan and Yangon but concerns remain

By MSF

March 2, 2014

Yangon -- On February 27, Médecins Sans Frontières Holland (MSF) received a written order from the Union Government of Myanmar to cease all operations in the country, which led to a full closure of all MSF Holland clinics on February 28. This act left patients confused and desperately concerned across the whole country.

HIV activities resume

After dialogue with the Union Government in Naypyitaw on February 28, we have now been informed by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Home Affairs that we can resume part of the activities as covered by our original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday March 3. This includes HIV/AIDS and other activities in Kachin and Shan states, as well as Yangon region.

Whilst we are encouraged by this and will resume these activities for now, MSF remains extremely concerned about the fate of tens of thousands of vulnerable people in Rakhine state who currently face a humanitarian medical crisis.

Clinics in Rakhine remain closed

MSF Holland clinics in Rakhine remain closed since February 27, following a verbal communication from the Rakhine State authorities to suspend our activities.

Prior to the suspension, MSF carried out a variety of activities in nine townships across in Rakhine, treating anyone who was unable to access the medical care they required.

All MSF services are provided based on medical need only, regardless of ethnicity, religion or any other factor.

MSF looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the Union Government to ensure that essential life-saving services continue to reach those that need them.