COVID-19: The EU mobilises additional financial support to help the population in Myanmar

In response to the ongoing rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar, the European Commission has mobilized €2 million in emergency assistance to actions helping to fight the pandemic in the country.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The EU stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult time. With this funding, given the challenges of a fragile health system in the country, the EU will be helping in providing treatment to COVID-19 cases. The people of Myanmar continue to suffer from the rampant violence since the takeover by the military junta and it is of great concern that the medical sector is increasingly being targeted. The EU strongly condemns these attacks and calls for the protection of medical workers in respect of International Humanitarian Law. Medical workers are putting their life on the line to save people – they should be able to carry out their work in safety and the humanitarian access to medical facilities should be guaranteed.”

The funding, allocated to trusted and independent humanitarian organizations, will help to support:

• the procurement and use of medicines for COVID-19 treatment, oxygen and related equipment, personal protective equipment and provide technical medical support
• emergency healthcare, first aid and water, sanitation, and hygiene-related activities in response to the latest COVID-19 wave
• home-based clinical management and stabilization through telemedicine and care corners.

The EU continues to support vulnerable people in Myanmar. In addition to the funding announced today, in 2021, the European Union allocated €20.5 million in humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs of displaced and conflict-affected communities in Myanmar.