“The crisis of health care in Myanmar” (TheLancet.com)

“We are writing in solidarity with the health workers of Myanmar during the worsening crisis following a military coup on Feb 1, 2021. Many UK health research and care institutions have worked with clinical colleagues in Myanmar over many years, building both partnership and friendship. Together we have seen significant improvements in the country’s health system, providing life-saving care to mothers, newborns, infants, and children.

Those improvements are now at risk.

Large numbers of Myanmar civilians, including health workers, are committed to the Civil Disobedience Movement, believing that peaceful protest is the best way to avoid a politically and economically disastrous slide back into military dictatorship, and to arrive at a way forward for Burmese democracy. Demonstrations have spread to all parts of the country. Through personal communication with colleagues in Myanmar and news reports, it is clear that many protesters are in hiding, sleeping in a different place each night in fear of their lives. Petrol is now scarce, banks are closed, and internet, electricity, and water supplies are all disrupted. Meanwhile, although government hospitals, schools, and universities are shut, groups of doctors are treating patients quietly and without charge in a variety of settings.

UN Resolution 2286 prohibits harm against health workers in situations of conflict. They must be protected now, not least by the vigilance of the global community. Myanmar’s doctors and nurses are a vital constituency in the country’s social development. We urge all parties to respect their humanitarian role and to ensure their safety. We hope that by bearing witness alongside our Myanmar friends and colleagues, we may help to galvanise international support for Myanmar’s recent democratic process, a resolution to the current crisis, and a resumption of the country’s path to prosperity.

We declare no competing interests”.