Latest news
Cyclone Mora destroys Health and Hope Training Centre and homes in Lailenpi
Posted on 31st May 2017 by Chris Jones
Torrential rain and high winds in western Myanmar have destroyed homes and triggered landslides in rural villages within Chin State. In Lailenpi, Matupi Township, thirty-seven homes were destroyed overnight as cyclone Mora headed north after having made landfall in Bangladesh on Tuesday 30th May 2017.
Roads serving Lailenpi have been damaged by landslides or are blocked with fallen trees and over 250 men, women and children are currently being supported by the local community after having been made homeless.
We are devastated to report that Health and Hope Myanmar’s training centre was also destroyed by high winds, along with allied buildings. Over the past 6 years, the centre has supported the training of 834 Community Health Workers from 551 villages across southern Chin and Rakhine State, in addition to acting as a central storage facility for the distribution of food relief during cyclone Komen.
Dr Sasa, founder of Health and Hope Myanmar, reported that the devastation of homes and buildings across the community will be felt for years to come and will impact the provision of training to Community Health Workers across the region in the short-term.
Photographs of the the training centre before and after the devastation can be seen here.
Elders from the town in Lailenpi have said that damage caused by the storm was the worst they have witnessed, with heavy rain continuing to hamper efforts to repair partially damaged buildings and provide shelter to those who have lost their homes. Flash flooding and damage to crops across the region continues to be a significant concern for this remote rural community.
We have set up a Cyclone Mora Appeal Fund on our donations page for those that may wish to respond. Funds will be allocated towards rebuilding costs and families affected by the cyclone.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Vice President of Myanmar visits Health and Hope’s work
Posted on 28th February 2017 by Chris Jones
We were absolutely delighted to host Vice President U Henry Van Thio in Lailenpi on Monday 27th February.
The Vice President arrived by helicopter, along with Deputy Minister Major-General Than Htut and Union Minister U Thant Sin Maung among others.
During the visit, the Vice President reviewed the work of Health and Hope, the proposal for building of an airstrip in Lailenpi and inspected the progress of development work within Lailenpi Town.
Over 2,000 townspeople, led by Dr Sasa, got hard to work to prepare for his arrival - even constructing two helipads to safely receive him!
A meeting was held in the sports field in the centre of Lailenpi where Dr Sasa proposed support for the betterment of roads, schools, the hospital, energy and communication for the people of the town.
We are so grateful to Vice President U Henry Van Thio and all the visiting dignitaries who gracefully supported many of these proposals and for their commitment to the people of Lailenpi and Chin State.
Vehicle Appeal - Update!
Posted on 4th February 2017 by Chris Jones
Thank you! In just under two weeks, Health and Hope supporters have helped to raise the whole of the appeal budget for the new vehicle for Dr Sasa and our team in Myanmar!
We are so grateful for your generous support. We've had a wonderful response to the appeal and the team are delighted.
We have managed to secure the new vehicle and it comes with a whole host of additional extras such as underbody protection, additional lighting and a winch for emergencies.
The funds you have helped raise will also contribute towards the first year of maintenance costs, in addition to part of the salary for a driver and mechanic to accompany Dr Sasa during the gruelling 4-5 days drive it takes to reach isolated villages in southern Chin State.
Thank you so much to all who have been in contact with us and for those who have given so generously to this appeal.
