Narinjara News, June 10, 2025

The number of malaria cases in Rakhine has surged during the monsoon season. 

Local residents report that malaria is prevalent in Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, and Minbya townships. 

Many of those infected are traders who travel to India through Chin State, according to a female resident from Ponnagyun.

"Usually, it's traders who travel to India via Chin State. The region is home to deep forests and mountain ranges. While children often suffer from dengue, adults tend to contract malaria," she explained.

This monsoon season serves as a breeding period for mosquitoes, which further contributes to the rise in malaria cases due to increased mosquito bites.

Ma Lily Myint, who assists displaced individuals in Ponnagyun Township, stated that many in these areas are suffering from mosquito bites because there are not enough mosquito nets available for protection against malaria. 

"There are no organizations or NGOs donating mosquito nets. The rainy season brings a proliferation of mosquitoes in Rakhine, and most internally displaced persons (IDPs) sleep without any protection. On days when they can afford mosquito repellent, they use it to defend against bites. When they can't buy repellent, they have no choice but to go without," she added.

Currently, a box of mosquito repellent coils in Rakhine State costs approximately 6,000 kyats.

Additionally, individuals are often treated with folk medicine when they cannot afford to visit clinics.

Mobile clinics used to visit them, but now they do not. Patients have to rely on homemade folk remedies," she noted.

From January to April last year, over 400 malaria cases were reported in townships controlled by the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government. 

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, vomiting, and body aches. 

Health workers advise that anyone experiencing dizziness or other symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

While there have been reports of a few malaria-related deaths in Rakhine this year, the health department of the Rakhine People's Revolutionary Government under the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has yet to release specific data on the fatalities.