YANGON (MYANMAR) – As Myanmar’s coronavirus infections increase, the volunteers who have stepped in to help carry those suspected of symptoms have been feeling the pressure.
Kyi Myint, 66, who leads a volunteer group in Yankin township, in Myanmar’s main city, Yangon, which is one of the worst affected, “The situation is not good. Our ambulances and crews can’t even get a break.”
Myanmar’s thousands of volunteers have played a crucial part in way the country has responded to COVID-19, despite having one of the world’s weakest health systems.
Myanmar has witnessed a surge of infections making the death toll to 371 from more than 16,500 cases.
The volunteers generally get no compensation and are often given whatever protection equipment is available, They are given food and a place to stay at times.
“Without the volunteers, I don’t think we could have survived,” said Aye, a recovered patient who did not want to give her full name for fear of being identified.
The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request to comment about the outbreak and the role of the volunteers.
Volunteer Zar Ni, who marked his 29th birthday at work on Thursday. “I usually get one or two hours sleep. I am happy to help. At first I feared I would be infected but I no longer do.”
As Myanmar has imposed a lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus from spreading, the volunteers have been away from their families, busy with work. Kyi Myint is staying with his 15-strong team in a Buddhist temple.
“This is not the time for depression, we are helping as much as we possibly can,” he said.