Quiet Struggles, Silent Strength: Tanintharyi’s Fight for Survival

Tanintharyi, often viewed as one of the quieter regions of Myanmar, is now in the grip of a deepening crisis. For many years, this southern coastal state managed to avoid the large-scale conflict that plagued other parts of the country. However, the conflict has steadily moved south, dragging Tanintharyi into its grip. While the fighting here might not be as visible as in the northern regions, the suffering is real. The invisible barriers—blockades, checkpoints, and the ever-present risk of arrest—are strangling the lives of ordinary people. Every day, families are being displaced, struggling to find safety and basic necessities.

A region once reliant on agriculture and fishing, Tanintharyi now faces widespread food insecurity. Military roadblocks have made it nearly impossible for food to be delivered to many areas, and the local markets that once provided sustenance have collapsed under the pressure. Thousands of families, many with small children, have been left without enough to eat. Malnutrition, particularly among children, is on the rise. Mothers are finding it harder to provide for their infants, and as food supplies dwindle, the situation becomes even more dire.

Recently, local aid teams, supported by Better Burma, with funds provided by the generous contributions of our donors, began focusing their efforts on reaching the hardest-hit areas of Dawei and Palaw. These local heroes, many of whom are from the region themselves, have been quietly working behind the scenes to deliver emergency food supplies and medical aid. Their goal has been simple but crucial: to make sure no one is forgotten. The aid packages include rice, lentils, oil, and basic hygiene items like soap and toothpaste—things that families need to survive but can't access due to the ongoing conflict. In one of their recent efforts, they managed to reach over 322 households with supplies meant to last for two weeks.

Medical care is also a major issue in Tanintharyi. With many hospitals overrun or simply unreachable, local medics have taken to setting up makeshift clinics wherever they can. These clinics are often short on supplies, but they remain the only lifeline for many. Recently, local teams managed to bring much-needed antibiotics and pain relievers to an IDP camp near Myeik. For the sick and injured in these camps, these supplies are essential. Without them, even minor illnesses can become fatal. Women, particularly those who are pregnant, face huge risks. Many are giving birth in unsanitary conditions without access to the proper medical care they need, leading to complications and high infant mortality rates.

The physical danger is only one part of the story. The psychological toll on families, especially children, is immense. With schools shut down and the future uncertain, many children in Tanintharyi are growing up in a world defined by fear and instability. Local aid workers have tried to create a sense of normalcy in the camps by organizing small activities for the children. But without a stable environment, these efforts can only do so much. Many children show signs of trauma—some have stopped speaking, while others wake up screaming from nightmares. In a camp near Dawei, one mother described how her son hadn’t spoken in weeks after witnessing the destruction of their home.

In spite of all this, the people of Tanintharyi remain resilient. The aid workers, many of whom come from the region themselves, continue to risk their lives to deliver food and medical supplies to those in need. They move quietly, navigating dangerous terrain and avoiding military checkpoints to ensure that aid reaches the people who need it most. Their work has already made a difference, but the need is still overwhelming.

If you’ve already donated, your support has been critical in keeping these efforts going. Your contributions have provided food for the hungry, medical care for the sick, and a glimmer of hope to those who feel forgotten. But the crisis in Tanintharyi is far from over. As the conflict escalates, more and more families are being displaced, and the demand for aid continues to grow.

We are asking for your help once again. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. Thank you for standing with the people of Tanintharyi in their time of need.