A severe diarrhea outbreak has swept through several Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Sittwe, Rakhine State, leaving 70 Rohingyas hospitalized and claiming the life of a young child. The outbreak, which began on October 5, 2024, has affected camps including Thek Kay Pyin, Baw Du Pha, Ohn Taw Gyi, Ohn Taw Chay, and others.
Local sources have confirmed that the deceased child, Mamad Husson, 7, son of Robialom, was from Thek Kay Pyin camp. Many others, including children, mothers, and elderly individuals, remain under medical care at the Thek Kay Pyin rural hospital. However, the hospital’s limited medical resources are causing concern, as the outbreak continues to spread.
Healthcare access in these IDP camps is a significant challenge due to restrictions on the movement of residents. The current situation mirrors a previous outbreak in April 2024, where around 80 Rohingya IDPs tragically lost their lives to diarrhea in Sittwe Township camps.
The lack of adequate medical facilities and resources is worsening the situation for the vulnerable IDP population. Urgent intervention and increased healthcare support are needed to prevent further casualties and contain the outbreak.