Whispers of Hope, Shouts of Resilience: Arakan’s Call
Better Burma, in partnership with One Light Global and Skills for Humanity (SFH), has undertaken a mission of immense urgency in Arakan State, where the devastating convergence of conflict and natural disasters has left children and families in a fight for survival. We update you here about the recent developments in this region of the country, and what we are doing to try to support those impacted communities.
Arakan’s humanitarian crisis is staggering; the combined pressures of armed violence, displacement, and natural disasters have created an environment in which one in three children is malnourished, and infant mortality rates continue to soar. Entire communities, cut off from food supplies and basic medical care, have been left in desperate need. Amid this devastation, we are so grateful in those donors who have offered contributions, which allow us to help local teams deliver life-saving aid to those left most vulnerable. We are deeply grateful for their faith in our mission, as it has allowed us to bring critical relief to hundreds of children, infants, and nursing mothers.
The situation on the ground is heartbreaking. Conflict has disrupted supply lines and destroyed vital infrastructure, making access to food and healthcare nearly impossible for many. Families have watched their children fall ill from preventable diseases, suffer from severe malnutrition, and, tragically, lose their lives due to the unavailability of medical support. Yet through the unwavering generosity of our donors, we have been able to allocate more of our resources on Arakan, a decision that reflects the magnitude of the crisis there.
The local teams we are supporting have worked tirelessly to deliver essential food supplies to children and families struggling with severe malnutrition. High-calorie, nutrient-dense foods were provided, including fortified porridge and ready-to-use therapeutic foods, which are vital for children on the brink of starvation. In cases where maternal malnutrition prevented infants from being breastfed, we provided formula to ensure these babies received adequate nutrition. These interventions are helping to keep children alive, giving them the strength to endure and recover in the face of overwhelming hardship.
In addition to food relief, we have prioritized medical intervention. Tragically, Arakan State has seen a resurgence of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrheal illnesses, and skin infections—ailments that could be easily treated under normal circumstances but have become fatal in the current context. On the ground staff distributed medications to treat these conditions, directly saving lives. Furthermore, several children required urgent surgical care due to severe injuries sustained during the conflict, as well as life-threatening congenital issues.
One example is a child who, thanks to emergency surgery, was saved from permanent blindness caused by a severe eye injury. Other infants with intestinal atresia—a condition that obstructs the bowel—received life-saving surgeries. These critical interventions are not only preserving lives but are also preventing lifelong disabilities and health complications.
The scale of this effort cannot be overstated.
Our teams faced immense challenges, from navigating areas rendered impassable by flooding to dealing with movement restrictions in conflict zones. The military presence, especially along routes commonly used by boat between Kyauktaw and Paletwa, posed constant threats, and the local volunteers had to risk their safety to reach those in need. The conflict in these areas has often intensified around critical access points, heightening the risks and delaying deliveries, yet these volunteers have remained resolute.
The support extended to nursing mothers was equally essential. Beyond food and medical supplies, we provided baby blankets, clothing, and hygiene kits, creating a safer and more dignified environment for mothers and their infants. These resources not only improve immediate survival rates but also foster a foundation for long-term health and recovery, supporting mothers so they can continue to nourish and care for their children.
Reflecting on the impact of this project, we see the profound difference that trust and generosity can make. Our supporters’ contributions have translated directly into lives saved and suffering alleviated in communities that were otherwise isolated and abandoned. This initiative has already prevented many deaths from preventable conditions and given hope to hundreds of families.
And yet, while we celebrate the progress made, we are acutely aware of the scale of the crisis that remains. Thousands of children in Arakan are still without the most basic necessities, including clean water, adequate food, and essential medical care; and tragically, we only expect this to worsen as the conflict intensifies. Some villages are still recovering from past flooding, which has ravaged entire regions, further displacing families.
To each person who has supported us, we extend our deepest gratitude! Your trust has enabled us to bring relief, dignity, and hope to the most vulnerable people in Arakan. You have given these families a lifeline in their darkest hours, empowering us to provide not only immediate assistance but also a glimpse of a brighter future for these communities.
And for those who feel called to support this mission further, we invite you to join us. Each contribution, every act of solidarity, allows us to press forward, delivering life-saving aid and showing the people of Arakan that they have not been forgotten.
