WEB DESK: Myanmar is enduring one of Asia’s most severe humanitarian crises, fueled by an escalating civil war and a series of devastating natural disasters, including a major earthquake in March. The situation continues to worsen as the country braces for elections scheduled for December 28, against the backdrop of widespread strife that has profoundly disrupted countless lives.
Already among the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has been deeply impaired by ongoing conflict ignited by a 2021 military coup that removed the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This turmoil has compounded existing challenges, exacerbating the plight of millions.
The ruling military junta has been accused of suppressing information about an intensifying food crisis by discouraging researchers from gathering data and pressuring aid organizations to withhold findings. Reports of crackdowns on journalists since the coup have added to this veil of secrecy. Meanwhile, Myanmar faces chronic underfunding for humanitarian efforts, with the United Nations reporting that only 12% of needed funds have been secured.
Cuts to U.S. humanitarian aid are amplifying the disaster’s toll, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar. The UN estimates that 20 million people—nearly half of Myanmar’s population of 51 million—are in need of assistance, as soaring inflation and a depreciating currency push families deeper into poverty.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over 3.6 million people while claiming the lives of more than 6,800 civilians. Projections from the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) indicate that over 12 million people will face acute hunger in the coming year, with one million requiring immediate life-saving support. Currently, more than 16 million people across Myanmar are struggling with acute food insecurity, making it one of the world’s most urgent hunger crises. WFP describes the nation as a “hunger hotspot of very high concern.”
Acute malnutrition is also on the rise. WFP estimates suggest over 540,000 children will suffer from life-threatening wasting this year, marking a sharp 26% rise from last year. Additionally, one in three children under five already experiences stunted growth due to prolonged food deprivation.
Economically, Myanmar, once regarded as a rising star in the region, has faltered significantly under the weight of civil war, mismanagement, and natural disasters. However, despite its struggle, forecasts suggest some signs of recovery. The World Bank recently projected a GDP growth rate of 3% for the next fiscal year, largely attributed to post-earthquake reconstruction efforts and targeted support for severely affected regions. However, economic recovery remains precarious as inflation is expected to stay above 20%.
Amid worsening electricity shortages that have left millions dealing with rolling blackouts, households and businesses are increasingly turning to solar energy solutions as a reliable alternative for power generation. While these efforts indicate resilience in challenging times, the overarching humanitarian and economic crises continue to devastate vast sections of Myanmar’s population.
