Mission Report 2010
Friends,
In January, we visited our friends with the Backpack Health Worker Teams (BPHWT) on the Thai-Burma border. During our visit, we learned of the deteriorating conditions in eastern Burma: forced relocations, destroyed villages, burnt crops, starvation plus increased murders and arrests. During 2009, Backpack Medics treated 34% more people as a result of SPDC’s oppression. Most notably, a combined SPDC and DKBA offensive, which included mortar attacks on internally displaced person (IDP) camps, forced 5,000 villagers to flee. Those villagers remain dislocated at this time. As a result of the SPDC actions, Acute Respiratory Infection, Malaria and Dysentery are the leading cause of death among the Karen and other minorities. Sadly, a Karen woman is 9 times more likely to have a stillborn birth as her counterpart in the United States.
BHM exists to mitigate the suffering caused by the SPDC with its support the BPHWT. This visit allowed us to maintain our commitment to the medic teams with the purchase medicines as requested by the BPHWT and increase our assistance for training of the new medics.
In terms of medical supplies, we coordinated the delivery of more than 400,000 doses of medicine to the BPHWT. In addition to supporting mobile teams, these supplies will support two fixed clinics in Karen State: the Kyunt Kyi and TaO Deh clinics. During the past year, BPHWT added artesunate and mefloquin to their medicine request to improve their ability to cure confirmed cases of malaria. These drugs are very effective, especially for treating expecting mothers. We were pleased to realize that for just $5, BHM purchases a complete anti-malarial treatment regime – an incredible investment that can save the life of an expecting mother and her unborn child. On average this year, BHM will buy up to 40 doses of medicine for each $1 donated.
During our time with the medics, we discussed the use of traditional herbal medicines. Some medics are well versed at integrating these remedies with western drugs – or using them alone when supplies run out. BHM is working with the BPHWT to develop a quick reference guide to standardize the use of traditional medicines throughout the teams.
This year, we also were invited to attend the graduation of the newest class of medics. Sixteen women and 14 men completed the 10 month program. A demanding program, only 50% of those who started completed the course. These young adults arrive after having worked as a village health volunteer. They have pledged to work as a medic for at least the next 10 years. Their determination and commitment is inspirational. When asked what the best part of their training was, one medic replied: When we return to our villages to help our people.
Back in their homes, the new medics will join one of 80 teams operating throughout eastern and northern Burma. They may serve with the Medical Care Program, providing trauma care to those injured by SPDC violence or the harsh realities of life in the jungle. Others will be part of the Mother and Child Health Care Program, working to reduce maternal and childhood mortality rates while partnering with the Traditional Birth Assistants.
Finally, others will focus on Community Health Education and Prevention Program, promoting a lifestyle that reduces the risk of illness and disease with initiatives such as providing sanitation and fresh water for villages or internal displaced camps.
The BPHWT leadership anticipates a difficult year in 2010. The Burmese junta will likely hold nation-wide elections on 10-10-10 (Oct 10th, 2010). The Karen leaders do not expect that the National League for Democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi will be allowed to participate, a decision that most likely will result in increased oppression Burma-wide and against the Karen people in particular.
Our visit to the Thai-Burma border renewed our desire help the Karen and others who are determined to live free and with dignity. It reminded us of the difficulty faced by the Karen. We are honored to represent you as we do this.
In Service,
Mike and John
Mae Sot, Thailand