The National Unity Government (NUG) has officially appointed Professor Dr. Kyaw Maung Lwin, a neurosurgeon and former rector of Mandalay Medical University, as Deputy Minister of Health. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) made this announcement on May 16. This appointment is aimed at strengthening the healthcare sector under the National Unity Government, leveraging Dr. Kyaw Maung Lwin’s medical expertise and experience to improve public health services.
The Arakan Army (AA) has released 225 people, including family members of military council troops who were captured during the battle of Manaung city in Rakhine State. According to Arakan Princess Media, this release included children of prisoners of war and was conducted on humanitarian grounds. This action demonstrates the AA’s commitment to humanitarian principles even in conflict situations.
Additionally, concerning developments have been reported along the Thai-Myanmar border, where the military council and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) are controlling rare earth mining operations in the Mong Sat and Mong Yawng areas. According to the Shan Human Rights Foundation, waste from these mining operations poses a severe health risk to over one million people living in the border region. There are growing concerns about the impact of these mining activities on local communities’ health, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic conditions. The situation highlights the ongoing environmental and health challenges faced by border communities due to unregulated mining activities under the control of armed groups.
