In Myanmar, ongoing conflict has severely impacted the health system, leaving many communities in conflict-affected and remote areas with very limited access to essential health services. Hypertension and diabetes are the most prevalent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) causing cardiovascular complications like stroke and myocardial infarct, resulting premature mortality and morbidity, particularly among people living with TB, HIV, and individuals struggling with substance abuse which remains largely unaddressed. These vulnerable populations are often left behind and have limited access to screening and treatment, worsening their health outcomes and quality of life in an already difficult environment and conditions.
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The mobile team provided healthcare services at an IDP camp in Kachin State, October 2023. Photo credit: WHO Myanmar
To promote resilience among communities, WHO Myanmar supported efforts to bring NCD health care to hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas. With the support of the NORAD NCD Flagship, WHO partnered with a local organization to deliver NCD preventive and curative services through community-based solutions. Inspired by a people-centered approach, the NCD services included screening, treatment, and patient follow-up were implemented from 1 May 2023 to 29 February 2024. The project integrated NCD services into the existing harm reduction and community health programs.
Most of the people in the camp are elderly, women, and children, and we do not have any income. And there has been no healthcare provider in the camp since the political crisis. Previously, we were unable to receive necessary health services when we were ill. The health services currently provided in the camp are very beneficial to us, and we are very happy to receive them.
This initiative covered 15 townships across Kachin, Shan North, and Sagaing regions reaching internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities and migrant workers. Through community prevention workers (CPWs), mobile clinics, and static health posts, the project provided screening, diagnosis and health education to 37,260 individuals (21,624 men and 15,636 women) for hypertension and diabetes, with 6,959 (2,999 men and 3,960 women) receiving essential treatment. Those services are provided alongside with other health services to ensure comprehensive efforts. Along with that, 666 adults, 73% of whom were women, received mental health screenings and essential psychosocial support in the most remote townships, including Waingmaw, Bhamo, Hpakant, Homalin, and Laukkai, where mental health services are limited.
WHO has played a pivotal role in this initiative by offering technical guidance, capacity building, and essential resources. This ensured that all interventions aligned with WHO’s guidelines for NCDs and mental health care, enabling effective and sustainable support. This impactful and cost-effective project was funded by WHO NORAD, with additional contributions from other donors, supporting human resources and operational needs.
The project’s achievements went beyond the numbers- it’s about offering hope and breaking the barriers for accessibility to health services. The efforts have dramatically improved access to health services in underserved areas. For many, the project offered the chance to receive health care for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and provided essential mental and psychosocial supports as integral part of emergency response.
Despite challenges like conflicts, difficult terrain, and market fluctuations, the project adopted strategic partnerships and joint innovative solutions. The project’s adaptability included building relationships with local suppliers, employing flexible transportation routes, close monitoring, and prioritizing safety for both staff and patients in providing NCD services.
We have been delivering harm reduction services in Waingmaw Township for 10 years. With ART and HIV prevention services, clients are living longer. Therefore, integrating NCD care into harm reduction services makes the approach more comprehensive for this highly vulnerable population—people who inject or use drugs—and improve cost-effectiveness.
Early detection and comprehensive care for NCDs among most vulnerable conflict affected population including internally displaced persons (IDPs), host community, persons living with TB and HIV (PLTB/HIV), persons with drug use and injecting drug users (PWDU & PWIDU) proved transformative, not only improving health outcomes but also enhancing primary healthcare delivery across both community and facility models.
With WHO’s continued support, the project will extend these critical services from September 2024 to August 2025, focusing on further NCD screening, treatment adherence, and strengthening the capacity of community protection workers by training and integrating mental health services. The next phase aims to continue health service deliveries in remote and conflict-affected regions, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive the care they need and ultimately promoting the sustainability of healthcare services in these areas.
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One community worker provides NCD screening services to displaced populations at IDP camps in Kachin State, October 2023. Photo credit: WHO Myanmar