“More than 4,000 people in Gwa Township, Rakhine State, are in urgent need of medical assistance due to a widespread skin disease outbreak, according to local aid organizations. Among those affected are over 1,790 men and 2,000 women, including more than 600 children under the age of 10 and over 600 youth between the ages of 10 and 18 who are suffering severely from the condition. According to the Gwa Township IDP Relief Cooperation Group, current treatment efforts are hampered by insufficient medical supplies and high medication costs, making it difficult to provide adequate care to those affected. The disease pattern typically begins with itching on the hands, gradually spreading throughout the body, resulting in both fresh and dry lesions. Children are particularly vulnerable to severe symptoms, with some being confined to bed due to the severity of their condition. While health workers are conducting field visits, providing education, and treating patients with available medicines in collaboration with local organizations, there remains a significant gap in meeting the medical needs of the affected population. Local residents believe the primary cause of this widespread skin disease outbreak is the contamination of water sources with gunpowder residue and chemical agents from military council airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks. Similar skin disease outbreaks have also been reported in other areas of Rakhine State, including Ponnagyun, Minbya, Thandwe, and Ramree regions. In Minbya and Ponnagyun areas alone, more than 50 villages are affected, with thousands of people suffering from the condition. Currently, the Arakan Army (AA) medical team and other healthcare professionals are working together to provide treatment, but there is still an urgent need for emergency medical assistance. The health crisis has been particularly challenging for those in displacement camps and rural areas, where access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is limited. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted regular healthcare services and supply chains. Healthcare workers report that many patients, especially children, are experiencing compromised immune systems due to malnutrition and poor living conditions, making them more susceptible to severe symptoms. The lack of proper nutrition during displacement has significantly impacted their ability to fight the disease. Local aid organizations are working to coordinate with various stakeholders to secure more medical supplies and establish better treatment facilities. However, the ongoing military operations in the region continue to pose significant challenges to these humanitarian efforts. Community leaders and health workers emphasize the need for immediate international attention and support to address this growing health crisis. They stress that without proper medical intervention, the situation could worsen, potentially leading to long-term health complications for those affected. The outbreak has also raised concerns about the potential spread to other regions, particularly in areas where displaced people are seeking refuge. This has prompted calls for a comprehensive approach to disease management and prevention across the affected regions. Despite these challenges, local organizations continue their efforts to provide support and treatment to affected communities, while also working to raise awareness about preventive measures and proper hygiene practices to help contain the spread of the disease.
