Kyauktaw teen dies of malaria amid medicine shortages in Arakan State

By Admin 15 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 November 2025, Kyauktaw

A 13-year-old boy from Ywamapyin Village in Arakan State's Kyauktaw Township died of malaria on November 14, according to family members.

The victim, Maung Kyaw Hla Than, also known as La Pyae, had been living with his grandfather in the Ramchaung area of Mrauk-U Township.

He fell ill and went to the hospital with his grandfather on the third day of his illness, but died while receiving treatment.

"When he arrived at the hospital, a health worker took his blood and tested it, and said the malaria virus had reached his brain. His grandfather had come to see him at the clinic. They had already walked across two mountains, so he was tired and became even sicker. His grandfather carried him on his back. The child had stopped talking on the way," said a female relative.

Locals in the Ramchaung area of Mrauk-U, and in parts of Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships, rely on nearby forests and mountains for farming and their livelihoods.

The Ramchaung area is densely forested, increasing mosquito breeding and exposing residents to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and influenza.

In Arakan State, malaria is spreading with the changing seasons, and deaths are occurring due to shortages of medicine and the lack of timely medical care.

"Everyone needs to take special care of their health during this time. As there is a shortage of medicines in Arakan State, it is not easy to get medical treatment. People are dying unnecessarily. Therefore, we need to focus on health, and the Department of Public Health under the United League of Arakan needs to improve health services for the people," said a social activist in Arakan State.

Seasonal influenza and malaria cases have been reported in Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Ponnagyun townships.

Local people in Arakan State, which is under blockade by Myanmar's military regime, are facing food and medicine shortages, financial hardships, and numerous health challenges due to the lack of hospitals and clinics.