According to camp officials, women living in IDP camps in Rakhine State are experiencing health issues related to Sexual organ hygiene due to a lack of personal hygiene practices and insufficient health knowledge.
Following the storm, adult and older women in Thet Kae Pyin camp, Sittwe Township, have reported experiencing itching, discomfort, and abnormal white discharge.
"Previously, I didn't have many people seeking consultation from me. However, now they approach me with concerns about these illnesses. Some have weakened immunity due to excessive white discharge. They feel embarrassed and hesitate to visit hospitals or clinics. Only a small number of them purchase medication," shared Daw Thein Mya, a member of the camp committee.
In IDP camps, women are facing additional health problems due to challenges such as cramped living conditions, lack of clean water, inadequate clothing, especially underwear that cannot be properly dried in the sun, and having to wear damp clothes.
Due to a lack of health knowledge and limited open communication about health matters, residents in IDP camps are facing challenges. Therefore, camp officials emphasize the importance of international and local organizations providing health education to address these issues.
"The majority of camp residents display weak adherence to guidelines. Women's Longyi (sarongs) are dried in the sun without being separated. One person's sarong is worn by another. If we persist in providing health education and discussing the detrimental consequences, I believe there will be a slight improvement," shared Daw Ma Aye Khin, who oversees the Taung Min Kalar IDP Camp in Kyauktaw Township.
Due to inadequate personal hygiene practices, women frequently encounter issues such as vaginal itching, inflammation, urinary tract infections, abnormal white discharge, as well as itching and odor during white discharge.
Daw San Yu Mon, a traveling nurse providing healthcare in Rakhine State, mentioned that vaginal health issues are more common among women in IDP camps than other health concerns.
"Urinary tract infections and abnormal white discharge are more prevalent. Neglecting hygiene in the female genital area and wearing unclean underwear can be quite hazardous," explained Nurse Daw San Yu Mon.
If persistent infections in the female genital area continue, it could result in life-threatening complications, including kidney and chronic diseases. Therefore, healthcare professionals strongly advise individuals experiencing such infections to seek guidance from experts, visit hospitals or clinics, and undergo proper treatment.
"We women are often more affected by feelings of shame and fear than the disease itself. When it comes to illnesses related to the female genitalia, these emotions can be particularly strong," shared a health worker from a civil group in Rakhine.
Medical experts recommend several measures to minimize vaginal health issues, including using clean water, sun-drying clothes, ironing underwear, and adhering to health guidelines.
However, women residing in densely populated IDP camps face numerous challenges in adhering to these guidelines.
