Kantarawaddy Times
Over half of the children under 5 years old and school-aged children at the Pon Chaung Camp 4 for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dee Maw Hso Township, Karenni State, are suffering from skin infections. Due to a lack of medicine, the camp urgently needs medical assistance.
“Many children, as well as adults, are experiencing skin problems, including ringworm. Approximately 20% of the population is suffering from ringworm, and the majority of the skin issues are likely caused by water,” a health worker assisting IDPs said.
Beyond skin infections, a significant number of children at the camp are also experiencing fever, adding to the existing medical concerns.
The lack of a proper medical clinic within Camp #4 poses a significant challenge in addressing these health issues. Consequently, children suffering from skin infections have endured months of discomfort without adequate treatment.
One mother of a child with a recurring skin infection shared, “Out of 83 children, approximately 40% have been affected. They take medication, but the infections persistently return. The situation was even worse in the preceding months. Camp #4 lacks a proper clinic, forcing us to travel to Camp #6 or Camp #2 for emergency medical attention.”
Reaching Camp 6 or Camp 2 on foot takes about half an hour, a significant challenge with the ongoing heavy rainfall.
Despite the difficulties, the camp operates a school with 83 students from KG to Grade 9, taught by 14 teachers. The camp houses 86 families, with a total population of over 300 individuals, including those from villages like Daw Nyi Khu and Tani La Leh
