Myanmar Red Cross as one of the humanitarian organizations implemented health activities as it’s top priorities program since it was established in 1920. As the country’s largest humanitarian network, responsibility and value of the society lies in being able to meet the needs of the most vulnerable communities and individuals. The National Society has expanded humanitarian work to include disease prevention and health promotion in accordance with the International Federation Principles and have developed health programs to ensure that they are in line with National Health programs. Based on the main objective of Myanmar Red Cross Society, “ To help alleviate Human Suffering” the following three strategies are carried out:
(i) Health promotion
(ii) Disease prevention
(iii) Render help to those in distress
Health Division was established in July 2002 to implement health activities more effectively as spelled out in the Strategic Health Direction 2002-2006. Five key priority areas were identified:
1. Capacity building in health
2. First Aid
3. Health education
4. HIV/AIDS & Reproductive health.
5. Voluntary blood donor recruitment.
Due to the consolidation of the Tsunami and Annual Appeal for Myanmar for 2006-2007 the Health and Care program now consists of three areas:
(1) “Public Health in Emergency” including psychological support and water & sanitation,
(2) Community Based Health development,
(3) Community Based First Aid (CBFA).
Myanmar Red Cross Society has already developed MRCS Strategic Plan 2007-2010 which was approved during the 58th Central Committee Meeting in 2005. We are now in the process of working on the Operational Plan.
Vision: MRCS will promote health, prevent disease and provide assistance to those in distress. The Society will have a well functioning and well resourced Health Division delivering preventive health services in a sustainable and strategic manner utilizing our large network of volunteers.
Health & Care Activities
The major health issues in Myanmar are locally endemic communicable diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Dengue haemorrhagic fever and emerging diseases like HIV. Resources for health are limited especially in remote areas. This is further compounded by difficulties with communication systems, transportation and poverty. In the meantime, access to available free health services is a concern especially in the rural areas, and private sector services are too expensive for most.
The aftermath of the tsunami prompted, the Society reviewed their programmes. For example, the health division formed an MRCS task force on public health in emergencies (PHiE). The PHiE task group had participants from all MRCS divisions in an attempt to reflect the reality of planning for activities as part of disaster management. A responsible focal point was delegated to coordinate this task force. A draft plan with associated budget was also drawn up after consultation with the various stakeholders.
The community-based first aid programme (CBFA) is a responsibility of the MRCS training Unit. The first aid policy, which was approved by the 53rd central council meeting in 2003, was distributed during TOT courses in 2005. This was one strategy to ensure that trainers and branches were all aware of the goals and principles of CBFA training and its relation to Red Cross activities and principles.
MRCS community-based approaches to training programming are designed primarily to develop quality first aid and health care responses and capacities within the volunteer network. The underlying premise is that this will lead to developing the community’s capacities to respond during times of disasters and conflict. The Society has realized that it also has the potential to promote its expertise in first aid training with NGOs, international non-governmental organizations, business enterprises and government departments. MRCS training Unit implemented water-safety training for trainers in December 2005 and plan to go according to CBHFA apporach.
Health and Care Projects
 Prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people
Outreach Programme on HIV/AIDS Prevention for Highway Bus/Truck Drivers and Their Assistants
Outreach Programme on Promotion of Safer Sex Project
Community Based HIV/AIDS Care and Support Project (Thaton)
Youth to Youth: Peer Education For Reproductive Health Project
Strengthening Tuberculosis Prevention in Myanmar
Prevention of Malaria in Myanmar
Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donor Recruitment Programme
Water and Sanitation (WatSan)
Child Protection Project
Outreach Prosthetic Programme (OPP)
Community Health Development Programme (Mandalay Division)
Community Based Health Project (CBHP) Keng Tung Communities
Magway Community Based Health Development Project
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