Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been in a state of emergency. The ongoing violence is causing great suffering amongst the population. Millions of people are fleeing. Among them are pregnant women and mothers with their children. Thousands of refugees are starving and hiding in remote jungle regions. Kolping is supporting the refugees and organising medical aid.
“The women and children lack everything,” reports Lei Lei Win, Managing Director of Kolping Myanmar. “They are weakened by their flight and malnourished. Often, the mothers do not have enough breast milk to feed their newborns.” Many infants and young children suffer from diarrhoea and bronchitis, as it can get very cold at night during the rainy season. For newborns and young children, such an infection can quickly become life-threatening.
Medical aid
Whether in the forests or in remote villages – Kolping Myanmar supports medical staff and ensures the distribution of medicines, food, hygiene supplies, blankets and clothing.
In the first eight months of the year, ten mobile clinics in three dioceses were able to offer their services to refugee families. Kolping also provides the refugees with medicines. So far, around 1,000 children and adults have been treated free of charge. The medicines were distributed in three refugee camps and in 15 villages where the mothers and their children have found shelter.
Health awareness
In the first seven months of 2026, Kolping Myanmar was able to support 45 pregnant women. The association regularly organises health awareness events. During these, mothers learn how to care for their babies hygienically, prevent illnesses and what is particularly important for healthy development in the first years of life. 200 mothers were reached between January and August 2026.
Building a new livelihood
To enable the women to provide for themselves and their children, Kolping offers short training courses. There, they learn, for example, how to make soap, print on fabric, cook, bake or sew. With these skills, they can earn their own money, build a new livelihood and find hope.
