Attachments
This new report by Insecurity Insight provides an in-depth analysis of the threats and violence faced by health care providers in Myanmar's Mandalay region. It is part of a broader series of regional reports set to be released over the next two weeks. It offers analysis informed by reported patterns of violence, individual health workers’ experiences, and studies of how violence has disrupted the provision of services. The report highlights the devastating impact of violence on the health care system and proposes approaches to mitigate and prevent further harm.
Drawing from Insecurity Insight’s comprehensive Security Risk Management for Health Care Services handbook (available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish), this new report offers concrete measures for health care providers, aid agencies, and international organisations working to support local health workers in challenging work environments. See also this special guidance of how to protect health care from drone attacks (available in Burmese on request).
The health care system in Myanmar’s Mandalay region is near collapse due to targeted violence, military control and severe restrictions on access to care. Health worker deaths are particularly high, with many killed in clinics, or while travelling or in their homes. Arrests and detentions are widespread, during which workers are tortured and forced to cease medical work. Emergency teams face attacks, road blocks and abductions. Hospitals and clinics have been bombed, raided, occupied or forcibly closed, leaving communities without essential care.
The Myanmar Armed Forces have repurposed health facilities for military operations and have confiscated supplies, ambulances, and funding, further crippling services. Raids on medical infrastructure have targeted health care workers and opposition-linked facilities, creating an environment of fear. Severe access constraints persist, with military checkpoints blocking medical supplies, ambulances and humanitarian aid. Patients struggle to obtain treatment, and preventable deaths are rising. The crisis continues to escalate, leaving Mandalay’s once-thriving health care system in ruins.
Health care providers cannot completely prevent violence, but awareness, preparedness and well-developed response plans can mitigate its impact on health services.
This document provides context and acceptance analysis for specific risks, vulnerability, risk and impact assessments and proposed action for health care providers and their international supporters of how they may be able to mitigate the risk and impact of this violence to ensure safety of health workers and continued provision of health care in Mandalay Region.