Humanitarian Relief

Following the devastating military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, which has brought untold brutal violence across the country, we had to immediately re-prioritise our work launching our relief work in direct response to the humanitarian crisis. We had to evacuate our teams for security purposes but our humanitarian response in Myanmar continues through a network of partners.

Food Banks

To address the issue of food insecurity, Health & Hope established the Food Banks Project in 2023. This aims to enhance food access and availability to displaced communities. Now that the crisis in Myanmar is in its fifth year, we are seeking to address the problem of overreliance on dwindling external food aid support by transitioning to a more sustainable food access solution at affordable subsidised rates through food banks serving displaced people. Currently we are operating five food banks which has benefitted more than 7,000 individuals to date.

This will help reduce malnutrition, which is evident in communities without food banks based on local surveys (2024). Our surveys of children under 5 years of age indicate lower levels of malnutrition in those areas where our food banks are in operation. Maintaining the operation of these food banks is therefore critical for those communities.

The food banks stock food, using revolving funds, that refugee households earning some income from informal agriculture based work and daily labour, can purchase. The food banks also provide food aid/grants to targeted, more vulnerable refugee groups unable to purchase food.

“When the food bank was set up, it made a big difference for us. We can buy the food we need at lower prices than in local shops, and the option to buy on credit and pay at the end of the month has been a huge help. I kindly ask that the food bank keeps running regularly because we really rely on it, and life would be much harder without this support. Thank you so much to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. We pray that God blesses you all richly."

Emergency relief for conflict affected populations

In partnership with local organisations, Health & Hope is delivering the LAMP RISE Project across North West Myanmar. Grounded in direct community assessments, this initiative bridges urgent, life-saving aid with long-term stability and resilience.

Immediate Relief & Basic Needs

• Direct Cash Support: Giving flexible financial assistance directly to vulnerable families prioritising pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, infants, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities so they can buy what they need most as they work toward financial stability.
• Essential Household Supplies: Distributing vital items including bedding, cooking sets, clothing, and hygiene products to displaced families and camps for displaced people.
• Shelter & Safe Sanitation: Repairing damaged homes and building critical clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities to keep families safe and healthy.
• Connecting to Critical Care: Guiding families toward external health, legal, education, and social protection services whenever extra support is needed.

Community Protection & Safety

• Safety & Survival Training: Equipping communities with contingency plans and practical training on conflict safety protocols (including airstrike safety), landmine and explosive awareness, child protection, preventing gender-based violence, and mental health support.

Thura (name changed) said, “Thank you for your support, I have received blankets, hygiene kits and solar lights. I am very happy because I have no income, and even transport is hard in our village. This time our needs are met. Your support is very helpful."