Camp conditions, lack of knowledge cited for rising vaginal infections among IDP women

By Admin 24 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
24 August 2023, Sittwe

Some women living in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State are reportedly experiencing vaginal infections due to lack of personal hygiene and health knowledge, according to displacement camp officials.

Vaginal itching, burning and abnormal discharge are common in adult women at the Thetkelpyin Muslim IDP camp in Sittwe Township.

“Nowadays, women consult us about these diseases. Some women suffer vaginal infections because their immunity is low, but they don’t dare go to the hospital. Only a small number of women buy and take medicine,” said Daw Thein Mya, a member of the displacement camp committee.

Women face health problems in IDP camps due to close quarters, unsanitary water, not being able to dry clothes and consequently wearing damp or wet clothes.

IDP camp residents lack health knowledge and open communication about health, camp officials say, adding that therefore, international and local groups need to provide health education for IDP women.

“Most of the women in the displacement camp have little knowledge about health and wear each other’s clothes. I think that if relevant organisations share health awareness and negative effects for IDP women, there will be a little change,” said Daw Ma Aye Khin, manager of the Taungminkalar IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township.

Daw San Yu Mon, a female nurse who provides mobile healthcare services in Arakan State, said that vaginal infections are more common among women in IDP camps than other ailments.

“Urinary tract infections and abnormal white discharge are more common among IDP women. Poor hygiene of the female genitalia and wearing unclean underwear is quite dangerous for women,” she said.

“Women are more influenced by the fear of shame than the disease they are suffering from,” said a female health worker from a civil society organisation in Arakan State. “Diseases related to vaginal infections like this are worse.”

Medical experts say that drinking clean water, drying clothes in the sun and following health guidelines are necessary to reduce the incidence of vaginal diseases. Women living in densely populated IDP camps in Arakan State often find it difficult to follow these guidelines.