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High rates of chronic malnutrition have been identified among displaced children living in camps in Myanmar, reports Plan International.
A nutrition survey was conducted by the children’s charity in several camps in Kachin State, where it has been working for several months.
“There are high rates of chronic malnutrition in the camps. Children are at particular risk in camps and measures need to be put in place to ensure their protection and well-being,” says John McDonough, Plan’s Country Director in Myanmar.
“The prolonged displacement and increasing overcrowding has created dire circumstances in more remote camps which is putting strain on the local infrastructure,” he added.
With the help of local partners Plan has helped more than 11,000 children in Kachin, providing food, child protection support and other items. It has also distributed 1,200 sets of winter clothes for children.
Plan’s partner the Metta Foundation has also conducted 25 awareness raising sessions on drug abuse, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and human trafficking targeting more than 1,500 teenagers.
“Internally displaced people continue to face critical protection concerns. All humanitarian activities reflect the needs of IDP children, especially girls, and women.
“Plan is calling for peace and reconciliation, and wants there to be long-lasting solutions for all of the conflict-affected population,” says Mr McDonough.
Protracted conflicts in Myanmar’s border areas have led to the displacement of more than half a million people.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
