Children in Myanmar are impacted by poverty and poor health and nutrition. Save the Children is doing everything we can to support children there but help is urgently needed.
Myanmar has vast natural resources, but the majority of its population is poor. Two-thirds of those who work still live on less than $2 a day, and a third of children are stunted because of malnutrition.
We've worked in Myanmar since 1995, helping children access essential services like healthcare and education. We've expanded our programmes to support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families.
Keeping children safe
Because Myanmar is so much poorer than neighbouring Thailand and China, vulnerable children face an increased risk of trafficking. Some are forced into marriage, many are made to do dangerous jobs, and others are pulled into the sex trade.
Our teams in Myanmar are working hard to keep the most vulnerable children safe. At a national level, we're working with the Department of Social Welfare, Unicef and others to strengthen the country's child protection system.
Locally, we're helping communities develop their own mechanisms to protect children. And we're building child rights groups so that children can monitor and report on domestic violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect in their communities.
Improving medical care
A lack of sanitation and safe drinking water means that thousands of children in Myanmar are at risk of illness. But healthcare can be expensive and difficult to access, especially for families in rural areas.
We're focused on ensuring children get the medical care they need in their early years, especially those in remote areas. Our teams work closely with Myanmar's Ministry of Health to ensure frontline health workers are well trained, equipped and supported. And we work hard to prevent and treat HIV, TB and malaria.
Supporting stronger livelihoods
In rural areas, we're helping families develop sustainable livelihoods by providing financial services to small businesses.
We provide families with the tools they need to produce nutritious food, both to eat and to sell. And we supply cash grants and food vouchers to ensure children get a nutritious diet.
Page updated February 2022
