In Myanmar, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports migrants to improve their access to health and education, and develop their skills to find a job. IOM is a 3MDG implementing partner that supports township health departments to improve maternal and child health. It works in Bogale and Mawlamyinegyun Townships in Ayeyarwady Division, as well as in seven townships in Kayah State and two townships in Rakhine State.

What do you, and your organization, do?

My name is Thant Htet Yee Mon. I’m the Township Health Supervisor for the maternal and child health project to support Bogale Township. It is being implemented by IOM and funded by 3MDG.

We support the township health department to improve access to maternal, newborn and child health services. This includes the provision of technical support to basic health staff, and development of joint trainings to community health workers and village health committees, including guidance for the volunteers to spot danger signs.

When women and children under five are referred to the hospital in emergencies, we also provide financial support for transport and food. This is done using the criteria agreed with the Ministry of Health and Sports. This is very important work! We can really reduce mortality if people receive appropriate and timely health care.

I’m also involved in activities to raise community awareness of maternal health issues, improve accessibility of health facilities and empower women through training and inclusion programs. Women must have a chance to be members of village health committees. Equity and inclusion is critical for them to fulfil their potential. It improves everyone’s lives. 

What lead you to this role?

After my graduation from the Institute of Medicine, I went straight to work in Rakhine State as a medical doctor. I was working in an emergency project for over a year.

We provided primary health care and health education to vulnerable people in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps as part of a mobile clinic team.

After that, I moved to Maung Daw (a border township of Rakhine State), where I was women’s health and protection manager of the flood response emergency project with another international organization. My role included advocacy activities for gender awareness for men and women in the community. I also provided technical support to our partner’s organization staff, especially women’s health care.

I wanted to work in Ayeyarwady Region, but I didn’t want to stop working with maternal health and women’s issues, so next I started as Community Health Supervisor in Bogale for IOM in May 2016.

What motivates you?

Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to be a medical doctor. Doctors can save lives and improve health knowledge, especially for vulnerable people.

Myanmar’s maternal and child death rates are still high in comparison with other ASEAN countries. When I think about the number of maternal deaths, I feel so sad about all those family members that are left without a mother or a wife. This encourages me to be part of a maternal and child health project that enhances women’s lives through better health outcomes. I’m happy and proud that I have the opportunity to serve the community through my profession.

What challenges do you face in your work?

The main challenge is mobilizing and persuading the migrant community to be involved in health activities. In Bogale Township, the main method of transportation is by boat, which is expensive and slow. Migrants often move from one place to another because of work or other reasons. It is challenging to mobilize migrants from remote areas to be involved in health related activities, such as health education or immunization programs.

What is the best part of your job?

I like conducting focus group discussions and training volunteer health workers, who are people from community. I have had the chance to work closely with them and become friends with many of them. I learned a lot about their lives and about the strength of the community. Motivating them and empowering women to work in health related activities and take up leadership roles in the community is really important.