Citing that children in disaster-stricken areas are among the most vulnerable, the global humanitarian organization World Vision is urging the international community to mobilize resources to help children who have been displaced and separated from their families after the massive earthquake in central Myanmar.
“In Myanmar, many children were already exposed to numerous hardships. Now, many are homeless, and some have been separated from their families, putting them at greater risk of abuse,” said Dr. Kyi Minn, World Vision National Director in Myanmar.
Likewise, Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio, National Director of World Vision in the Philippines, stated that the earthquake is a severe setback for struggling children and families in Myanmar.
“Children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis. The earthquake has worsened an already critical humanitarian situation, where nearly 20 million people across Myanmar were in need of aid, including over 3.5 million who have been displaced from their homes.”
The earthquake has exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with many left sleeping outdoors while struggling to access clean water, sanitation, and essential services, especially in the hardest-hit areas of Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw, and parts of southern Shan State.
Dr. Minn emphasized that emergency response efforts are currently focused on addressing the urgent needs of affected communities, but child protection must also remain a top priority.
He also stressed that girls are particularly at risk, sharing, “The threat of gender-based violence increases. As a child-focused organization, the safety and protection of children are World Vision’s main priority and will be central to our response to this emergency.”
As such, World Vision has launched a rapid assessment of the hardest-hit areas in the Mandalay region and has begun distributing essential aid, including food, clean water, and temporary shelters.
The organization is also working to provide healthcare, sanitation, and mental health support for affected children and their families.
World Vision aims to support 500,000 people, including 200,000 children, with a $5 million response in the most affected areas and is encouraging the international community to provide aid for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts. Additional funding is crucial to ensure that all vulnerable children and families are supported in their sustainable recovery.
To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/donate/myanmar-earthquake/.
