Skin diseases spread among hundreds of displaced families on Rathedaung’s Mosel Island

06 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

6 December 2025, Rathedaung

More than 700 displaced families sheltering on Mosel Island in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, are suffering from skin diseases, according to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and social support groups.

The skin conditions have persisted for some time, but after a brief respite, cases have surged again since November.

“There are so many diseases. Children, adults — almost everyone is suffering. Since we fled the war, it has come and gone. I don’t know if it is due to the lack of clean water or our living conditions,” said a displaced woman from Mosel Island.

IDPs who cannot afford medical treatment are relying on traditional remedies, and say they urgently need healthcare assistance.

Displaced people said similar outbreaks occurred around this time last year and had subsided, but the situation has now worsened.

“IDPs are not in one place, but at least 70 to 80 households live in each area, so the spread of disease is rapid. The water is contaminated, which can worsen the wounds. And there is a shortage of adequate medicine, which is why the disease is recurring,” said the leading monk from the Maha Garuna Foundation, based in Rathedaung Township.

Thousands of displaced people are living on Mosel Island, where they face the threat of airstrikes and artillery attacks from the military regime, as well as food shortages and financial hardship.

Skin disease outbreaks were reported among displaced communities across Arakan State in 2024.

Fighting has been ongoing in Arakan State for more than two years, with the Arakan Army controlling 14 townships and Paletwa Township. The conflict has forced an estimated 600,000 people from their homes, leaving them struggling with shortages of food, medicine and shelter.