Dear friends, colleagues, and fellow health care professionals, I sincerely thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on behalf of the health workers, and indeed the entire nation of Myanmar. Our brave people have faced unimaginable difficulties due to Covid-19, compounded by the military coup, and compounded yet further by the nation-wide humanitarian crisis stemming from the senseless violence of the military junta. Our brave civilian health workers have been and continue to be targeted by the ruthless military as objects of special vengeance for the mere ‘crime’ of honouring their Hippocratic oaths to aid their fellow injured and sick citizens. Many of our skilled doctors, nurses, midwives, ambulance personnel, medics and general health care workers have been threatened, arrested and murdered in cold blood. Hospitals, clinics, ambulance stations and charity organizations across the nation have been attacked, occupied or destroyed by military thugs. Many of those who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) have been forced to flee for their lives to avoid arbitrary arrest, torture and extrajudicial killing. Yet despite these most terrible conditions, the people of Myanmar have shown time and time again that they are resilient, and will not be beaten back into submission under the military’s boots.

The UK Government has been a great advocate for the people of Myanmar since the coup, regularly condemning the actions of the military, and issuing sanctions and providing aid in various forms. Similarly, UK organizations and agencies, including THET, have continually supported the people of Myanmar in every way they can. I am truly thankful for everything that these organizations have done and continue to do to help relieve the pain of our brave healthcare professionals out on the front lines of this revolution. The action taken both on the international stage and on the ground by these organizations has had a very positive and heartening effect on our people, and this type of assistance – words backed by action – are what we need now, more than ever. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain displaced, and thousands of healthcare workers with them, who, despite the odds, continue their selfless service to help as many sick and injured as possible with the limited supplies they have.

Finally, I want to call attention yet again to the ever worsening situation in Myanmar which effects all citizens equally, medical and non-medical alike. It is this then that must ever be on the forefront of our minds, that these brave people continue to do the impossible, saving lives with the most meager of resources. This is however unsustainable, and a strong backing is critically needed to keep these medical workers supplied with the life saving medicines and equipment they depend on. The work of the UK Government, its partners and that of non-governmental organizations must expand exponentially to keep up with the growing crisis, and I must humbly request and implore all those who are able to contribute to this effort; to support those who support our front-line workers, and help bring an end to this humanitarian, health, and political crisis. The people of Myanmar have the will to survive and emerge the victors of this situation, they just need the means. 

The means needed, as I mentioned, are four-fold. First, increased UK financial support for technical assistance and training of health workers, including through Health Partnerships. Second, continued work by the UK Government to hold the military to account for the persecution of health workers, and the untold numbers of suffering civilians. Third, a commitment to renew visas for Myanmar health workers residing in 

the UK in recognition of support they are giving the NHS at this time, and providing visas for those who have been forced to flee their homes, wherever they may currently be. Fourth, a re-invigoration of UK advocacy at the global level to marginalise the Tatmadaw and its cronies. The people of Myanmar desperately need the continued support of the UK on the world stage to help bring a swift end to this hellish nightmare we are enduring.

Thank you for your attention, and may you be blessed for the blessings you have given us.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations