Issue Brief • March 3rd 2026 • Center for Arakan Studies •

Health challenges faced by the people in Arakan

English | Myanmar

Introduction

(a) Main Topic
Health-related challenges faced within Arakan (Rakhine Region)

(b) Geographical Area
Seventeen townships in Arakan, including Paletwa Township in southern Chin State, which are respectively controlled by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) (military junta) and the Arakan Army.

(c) Time Period
A five-month period from October 2025 to February 2026.

Since November 2023, due to the resurgence of armed conflict, Arakan has been experiencing instability in security conditions, transportation blockages, internal displacement caused by armed clashes, and destruction of infrastructure. As a result, the region has been facing significant social and economic hardships. The health challenges faced by local populations have reached an alarming level.

This study primarily focuses on the health-related challenges encountered by people in Arakan, based on reports from local media, statements issued by relevant organizations, and testimonies from local residents.

Brief Descriptions

  • October 2025

    Pregnant women and children in Mrauk-U have lacked healthcare for years: In Mrauk-U Township, due to blockades on both land and water routes imposed by the SSPC, there are severe shortages of medicines and healthcare services. At the 50-bed public hospital, the lack of skilled doctors and insufficient medical supplies has led to a healthcare crisis, particularly affecting pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic illnesses.

    • Child deaths due to malaria in Paletwa Township: Five children from Maung Village, Buddha Village, and Kyetaw Village in Paletwa Township died due to malaria. Additionally, in villages between Paletwa Township and Mindat Township, malaria has been resurging due to seasonal weather changes, creating an urgent need for medical assistance.

  • November 2025

    A 13-year-old child dies of malaria in Kyauktaw Township: “When he arrived at the hospital, they took a blood sample. After testing, they said the malaria parasite had reached his brain. The grandfather and grandson had come seeking treatment. They had to walk on foot, crossing about two mountains, so he became even more unwell from exhaustion. The grandfather carried him on his back. The child had already stopped speaking along the way,” said a female relative.

    • Around 300 local residents and traders in Paletwa District infected with severe diarrhea: A diarrheal disease that spread from border areas of Mizoram State in India infected more than 300 local residents and traders in Paletwa. As a result of the outbreak, up to six people died.

  • December 2025

    Displaced people on Mose Kyun Island in Rathedaung suffer from skin diseases: On Mose Kyun Island in Rathedaung Township, where thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering, around 700 people have been suffering from skin diseases. Similarly, in Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Ann, Taungup, Ponnagyun, and Mrauk-U townships, many displaced people and local residents have also experienced contagious skin diseases. Currently, displaced persons who cannot afford medical treatment are relying on traditional medicines. They have expressed the urgent need for medical assistance and access to proper treatment.

    • Airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital leaves 33 dead and up to 80 injured: A public hospital in Mrauk-U Township was bombed by a military jet fighter of the SSPC. According to local residents and a witness, the attack resulted in 33 deaths... Read more

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    The CAS is an independent, non-partisan and research-oriented group conducting research and analyzing issues related to Arakan/Rakhine affairs.

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