Burmese Migrants Rely on NGOs for Care and Supplies

An estimated two million Burmese refugees have fled conflict zones in Burma to live as undocumented migrants in Thailand. This population has few options when it comes to seeking information about even basic anatomy, let alone health care. With migrant schools that end after the first or second grade, virtually no internet access, low levels of literacy and limited to access to television - which, even if available, is broadcast in Thai, not Burmese - community-based organizations play a large role in providing reproductive health information and services.  

A new report released this week by the Thailand-based Adolescent Reproductive Health Network (ARHN) reveals that the country's birth spacing and family planning program is not reaching young migrants. Instead, adolescent refugees from Burma living in Thailand rely disproportionately on community-based organizations, pamphlets and posters for sexual and reproductive health information and supplies like condoms.  

ARHN's "Protecting Our Future" report presents findings from a survey of nearly 400 12-24 year olds living in and around UN refugee camps on the Thai side of the border. The data were collected by local Burmese migrant activists also living undocumented in Thailand and shed light on a population about which previously very little was known. Around the world, little research exists on the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people living in areas of conflict.  

Not surprisingly, the study found that knowledge of sexual health and anatomy is very low among adolescents from Burma's conflict zones. Most young people had heard of condoms and birth control pills, but few had ever used them. The authors estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among young people to be seven percent and found high levels of acceptance of gender based violence and male authority over women's reproductive choices among both men and women interviewed.  

In communities where ARHN, a network of nine community-based organizations (CBO's) works, the study found that a majority of teens got information about sex and reproductive health from trainings by CBO's in migrant schools or factories; or from pamphlets and posters prepared and distributed by the network.  

These results suggest the work of the network is having major impact in areas with virtually no other reproductive health services. Donors interested in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations should invest in low-cost interventions such as the network's community education programs, the authors suggest. Since contraception is subsidized nationally by the Thai government, ARHN is able to provide an individual with a month's supply of birth control pills for just $2-3 US dollars.  

In order to raise awareness of the migrant populations of the Thai-Burma border, a group of international photographers have put together a photo book and exhibition on the ongoing civil war in Burma and its fallout.  Sponsored by Burma Borders Projects, the Global Justice Center, Ibis Reproductive Health and the Women's Refugee Commission, "Invisible Lives" features photographs by Tom Soddart, Morgan Hagar, Becky Hurwitz, and amateur Burmese and Karen photographers.  

These images will be on display from June 16-29 at powerHouse Books in DUMBO and proceeds from the book sale will benefit ARHN. The show opens today, June 18th with a reception open to the public.