Newly emerged resistance healthcare systems in Northwest Myanmar’s Sagaing Region post-military coup: qualitative insights from anti-junta healthcare workers and community members

Abstract

Objectives: To provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of the anti-junta healthcare providers and community members regarding the prevailing health problems in conflict settings of Sagaing Region, how the anti-junta healthcare providers have established alternative systems of care in the region, and challenges the providers and community members are encountering in healthcare provision and access. Design: Qualitative study using online semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Setting: Sagaing Region, Myanmar, mainly covering conflict-affected rural areas. Participants: Total 26 healthcare workers providing, managing, or supporting healthcare services and six community members potentially receiving these services (23 men and nine women) from rural and urban areas of Sagaing Region, Myanmar. Results: Prevailing health issues included conflict-related injuries, infectious diseases, chronic non-communicable diseases, and mental health concerns. In resistance force-controlled rural areas, government rural health centers have stopped functioning, and anti-junta healthcare workers have established new healthcare systems to fill the healthcare gaps. Significant health challenges encompassed travel restrictions and shortages of healthcare workers, essential commodities, and funding. Restricted communication, attacks on healthcare, and safety concerns have further compounded the crisis. Moreover, the politicization of healthcare and interference by the junta have hindered efforts to address these challenges effectively. Conclusions: The post-coup conflict has severely devastated Sagaing Region’s healthcare system and health status, disproportionately affecting rural areas, demanding immediate action. Failure to address these issues promptly could worsen the region’s health outcomes and deepen the humanitarian crisis. Addressing healthcare in the region should prioritize effective interventions to stop the junta’s attacks on healthcare and civilians and innovative ways to support new local healthcare initiatives technically, financially, and logistically.