Phyo Kyaw is a young man from Mandalay. Now 22, he was born with a condition that causes extreme muscle weakness and visual impairment. Phyo relies entirely on the care and love of his mother, Daw Thida, for his daily life and mobility.
When disaster struck one year ago, they were at home. The powerful 7.7 magnitude epicenter of the earthquake was not far, and the ground shook violently beneath them.
Their home began to crumble. Daw Thida rushed to reach her son while the walls began collapsing around them. Both were injured as they narrowly escaped.
The earthquake was a devasting blow for the family. In the weeks and months following the devastating impact, they struggled to meet their basic needs, let alone access the extra support that Phyo needed.
Even before the earthquake, the family’s income wasn’t enough to pay for all the assistive devices and physical rehabilitation. Daw Thida wanted to help her son move comfortably and safely.
“Before, people looked down on us because of my son’s disability,” reflected Daw Thida. “After the earthquake, our house collapsed and my husband lost his job. I was stressed and felt completely hopeless.”
But then humanitarian support arrived that was tailored to their specific needs. With support from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF), a partner provided Phyo with rehabilitation assistance and physiotherapy exercises to strengthen his muscles and improve his mobility. The partner organization provided him with a wheelchair, allowing his mother to move him more easily.
“My son’s condition has improved! With this improvement, people now act more positively toward us,” said Daw Thida. “My son is motivated and happier, and my mental state has really improved thanks to the support we received.”
Daw Thida received support for herself too. Through mental health and psychosocial support sessions, she found that she was not alone in coping with the trauma of the earthquake, nor was she alone dealing with the emotional strain and social stigma she and her son faced.
One year after the earthquake, the MHF remains committed to delivering an accountable and inclusive response for people with disabilities, ensuring they are not forgotten in emergencies.
Phyo and Daw Thida’s story is a reminder that disasters do not affect everyone in the same way. People living with disabilities and their families face unique challenges and barriers during emergencies.
Tailored support is therefore essential to help them recover, maintain dignity and rebuild their lives. Just like everyone else.
Posted March 2026.
Pooled Fund impact stories
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