The Rohingya conflict has intensified in Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar, since August 2017. The Government has limited movement in the area, so there is currently no access for international organisations to provide basic humanitarian support to the community, except ICRC (International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement) and WFP (World Food Programme). 

While over 900,000 Rohingya people have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, part of the community, as well as other ethnic groups, remain in Northern Rahkhine State. People are encountering problems related to health, education and livelihoods. Due to current fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, more than 40,000 have fled from their villages and are staying at internally displaced populations sites. Without effective and ongoing access, the ability of local and international organisations to provide assistance to conflict-affected communities is seriously compromised.

When it comes to healthcare access, there are lots of barriers when reaching health centres. For example, health centres in rural areas were damaged during conflict.  Also, hospitals are often far away from villages. There are also financial barriers for people to receive treatment at hospitals. Furthermore, health knowledge in the communities is low. In case of outbreaks or emergency conditions, it is therefore very difficult to manage them on time before they spread among the population.

Therefore, my project is focusing on a community reporting system to healthcare actors. Community members flag health problems and others directly to key stakeholders and policy makers for urgent action. This allows to promote the voices of the community and to highlight issues and raise awareness on the needs of people at a large-scale.

My project fits into Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and Wellbeing, ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.