On Friday 28 March, Myanmar was devastated by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed thousands of people (with the death toll rising), destroyed many buildings (including homes, hospitals and temples) and left the country without vital infrastructure (water, electricity, roads and communications channels).

While The Union Office in Mandalay, the epicentre of the earthquake, was damaged; fortunately, only two of our nearly 150 colleagues suffered minor injuries. However, many of our colleagues and their families have had serious damage to their homes and currently remain displaced. Due to nearly 200 aftershocks, almost all staff remain displaced and prefer to sleep in the open. A number of staff have taken refuge within our office compound.

Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of The Union: “Before this disaster, our devoted team were already providing lifesaving services to some of the most vulnerable people in unimaginably challenging circumstances, which were impacted by the recent US Government funding cuts. Now that task has become inconceivably more difficult.

“Despite this terrifying situation, the commitment and resilience of our colleagues is unwavering. They are desperately trying to make sure the people they serve are safe and even putting themselves forward to help the crippled healthcare system care for the huge number of critically injured people.”

On the ground and ready to care

The Union is one of the very few international non-government organisations that is working on the ground in Myanmar, which is why it is so important for us to ensure continuity of services for TB and HIV during this disaster.

Due to the damage, only three of our 16 HIV clinics are operational in Mandalay. While nine are being repaired and should be reopened soon, four clinics have been damaged beyond repair.

The Union also operates five service delivery points for TB patients in Mandalay and Sagaing. All of which are not operational due to damage. Additionally, the Government TB hospital was also damaged, and temporary facilities have been set up by the Ministry of Health.

Kelland Stevenson, Director of The Union Myanmar Office, explains: “Regardless of this, our dedicated team continues to serve those HIV and TB patients in need and are attempting to follow-up with all those who have been displaced.

“Our community volunteers are providing patients with information about where they can go for treatment, our medical officers are supporting with patient consultations and our TB field officers are reaching out to patients to ensure they receive the drugs they need.

“As we work diligently to restore our existing HIV and TB services, and we are also ready to support hospitals and emergency services by mobilising our healthcare workforce to support the community to recover from the tragic event.

“However, given the situation, we need more vital resources for staff and supplies to effectively support people needing our services.”

How you can help

In an effort to support our colleagues, their families and local communities through this incomprehensible and fatal disaster, we are calling for donations to help provide essential supplies and funds to start rebuilding their lives. Your donations will be used to provide:

Shelter Support: Distribute tents/temporary shelters for staff in open fields.

Basic Supplies: Provide essential food and water at The Union office for displaced staff; distribute hygiene kits and basic medicine to those unable to cook or who have lost their homes; provide salary advances for staff in Mandalay and Sagaing Region

Mental Health Support: Provide mental health counselling for staff in high-stress environments.

We will also use the funds to help restore services in The Union offices and clinics so that community members relying on our team for access to care don’t suffer further ongoing challenges from disruption in access to medicines.

We are One Union and in times like this we must stand with those who need us most – no one left behind. Thank you for standing with our colleagues and The Union.