Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Union Minister Health of the National Unity Government (NUG), reported that the post-coup nationwide vaccination rate for children has plummeted to just 25 percent.
Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed these statistics during an online press conference on July 10 titled "Humanitarian Efforts of the People's Government: Public Health Challenges and Hopes."
“"Upholding the concept of 'People to People,' we are trying to vaccinate the public. According to WHO documents, vaccination coverage is now only 25%. In the past, Myanmar had 95% vaccination coverage, and even during the COVID pandemic, it reached 80%. But after the coup staged by the terrorist military, the situation deteriorated to the point that only 25% of children could be vaccinated. These are not baseless claims; I am referring to WHO data”, he said.
NUG's Ministry of Health is still implementing a pilot project to make vaccinations widely available.
Approximately 4 million children in Myanmar need to be vaccinated.
Dr. Zaw Wai Soe reported that, under NUG's plan, more than 2000 children in Karenni (Kayah) State received crucial vaccinations during the post-coup period.
“I urge all ethnic organizations to collaborate with us in effectively providing healthcare support to those who are facing suffering and hardships”, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe added.
Since the coup, more communities are in need of healthcare support, and Dr. Zaw Wai Soe appreciated the organizations that are helping them as much as possible.