Today, on International Domestic Workers Day, we mark fourteen years since the adoption of the landmark ILO Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers, a global commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of those who perform paid work in private homes. It affirmed what should be obvious: domestic workers are workers, and they deserve the same protections, wages and respect afforded to any other occupation.Yet, even today, this simple truth is too often ignored.Across Asia, including here in Myanmar, the pressures of our time are mounting. We are living through a period of overlapping crises: rising geopolitical tensions, record-breaking extreme weather events, spiraling living costs and deepening social inequality. These disruptions have made clear that domestic work is essential. It is the invisible infrastructure that keeps households — and by extension, societies — functioning. In moments of disaster, it becomes a vital lifeline. During the 2024 floods in the Mekong Subregion, domestic workers were the ones scrubbing mud from flooded homes. In the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand in March 2025, it was domestic workers who helped household members evacuate to safety. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic workers provided vital support to families caring for the sick, elderly and young. Quietly, without fanfare, they were first responders. But were they recognized? Were they listed on emergency registries? Were they considered in response planning? Too often, the answer is no.Crisis response systems rarely account for domestic workers, either as contributors to recovery or as individuals in need of protection themselves. This blind spot reveals a deeper problem: the ongoing failure to value care and domestic labour as essential to our collective well-being.Despite their critical contributions, domestic workers across the region remain among the most exploited and unprotected workers. An ILO study in ASEAN: title of “Skilled to Care, Forced to Work” found that in Thailand and Malaysia, about half of domestic workers work more than ten hours per day. Over a quarter of domestic workers in these countries work seven days a week with no days off. Many are excluded from basic labour laws that guarantee rest time, maximum working hours, or even the right to a minimum wage. In addition, domestic workers’ skills and experience are rarely reflected in what they earn. These are not isolated cases — they reflect systemic neglect.Yet domestic workers including migrant domestic workers continue to support families and communities, not only through their labour but also through the money they send home. Following the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, remittances from domestic workers abroad were a critical source of immediate relief for affected families — helping pay for food, shelter repairs and basic needs while formal assistance was still being mobilized. Their contributions were among the first lines of support in areas where access was limited and institutional responses delayed. Still, there are signs of progress. In Myanmar, the leadership and organizing of domestic workers — including the efforts of the Myanmar Domestic Workers Association — have led to increased visibility and calls for recognition of their rights. Progress in the region also offers inspiration for domestic workers in Myanmar and overseas. In 2024, Thailand took a bold step with Ministerial Regulation No. 15, which extended key labour protections to domestic workers, including minimum wage guarantees, an eight-hour workday, and paid maternity leave. Malaysia also moved forward by extending its Employment Injury, Invalidity and Survivors’ schemes to migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.Yet most countries in the region continue to exclude domestic workers from social protection frameworks, leaving them without a safety net when they are most vulnerable.Recognizing domestic workers’ rights is not a gesture of charity. It is an essential, practical, forward-looking policy choice. Governments can legislate comprehensive protections. Trade unions can organize domestic workers and amplify their voices. Employers can adopt practices to ensure decent working conditions and fair treatment. And all of us, as members of society, can shift how we perceive domestic work, not as invisible, informal help, but as a vital component of our economy and our resilience.We may not be able to prevent every crisis. But we can strengthen our societies' ability to respond and recover. Protecting domestic workers and recognizing the vital role they play must be part of that strategy.Let us build a future where domestic workers are no longer overlooked in our homes, laws, or disaster plans. Let us finally treat their work as what it truly is: essential. Yutong Liu is the Liaison Officer and Representative for the ILO Liaison Office for Myanmar , filtered_html

When two powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar in March 2025, health services were among the hardest hit. Facilities collapsed, medical supplies were buried under rubble, and already-fragile health systems faced an overwhelming surge in needs. From trauma injuries to chronic illness, from reproductive health to disease prevention—thousands of people needed urgent care.With flexible and timely support from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), the World Health Organization (WHO) was able to respond rapidly delivering lifesaving health supplies, sustaining essential care, and strengthening coordination with frontline partners. 
“After the earthquake, everything became more difficult,” said Daw Hla Hla (name changed), a pregnant woman staying in a temporary shelter in Mandalay. “I didn’t know how I would prepare for the baby. Receiving the mother and baby pack was a big relief. It gave me comfort and what I couldn’t manage on my own.”Her story is one of many that reflects the real impact of emergency preparedness. Thanks to CFE funding, 1,400 Mother and Baby Packs were distributed across 20 hard-hit townships, ensuring safer childbirth and dignified care for over 2,800 mother and newborns.But this was just one part of a broader response enabled by CFE.   Caption: WHO deployed critical emergency health supplies within 24 hours of the earthquake
Photo: WHO MyanmarFrom Airlift to ActionIn the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, CFE funding enabled WHO to deploy critical emergency supplies via charter flights—including Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHKs), trauma and surgical kits (TESKs), mobile tents, blood safety sets, and body bags. These resources were distributed to public health facilities treating earthquake affected survivors who need immediate emergency healthcare.Protecting Lives Through Disease Prevention and WASH interventionWith monsoon rains approaching and overcrowded shelters posing health risks, WHO pre-positioned outbreak response kits, laboratory reagents, and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to boost early detection of diseases. Support was extended to 6 laboratories and communities in affected regions, improving capacity for water quality testing and outbreak investigation.   Caption: WHO health partners distributing mosquito tent nets to earthquake affected communities as part of disease prevention efforts
Photo: WHO MyanmarA total of 500 mosquito tent nets, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) materials on dengue, acute watery diarrhea (AWD), and monsoon preparedness were also distributed to reduce the risk of vector- and water-borne diseases in displacement sites.“Without these kits and supplies, we wouldn’t be able to prepare for what’s coming,” said a health assistant in Sagaing. “The monsoon will make things worse—but now, at least we’re not starting from zero.”   Caption: A water filter being installed at a local health facility to prevent the risk of waterborne diseases
Photo: WHOTo prevent the risk of waterborne diseases in overcrowded earthquake displacement camps, WHO is also distributing water filters, with support from CFE funding to health facilities and displacement sites across Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, and Nyaung Shwe. A total of 30 filters have been installed at 27 clinics and three auxiliary midwife locations—ensuring clean drinking water for more than 13,500 people each month. An additional 25 filters are on the way to those locations as mentioned above.This intervention directly supports disease prevention efforts against acute watery diarrhoea, cholera, and other waterborne infections. According to WHO’s latest Situation Report (30 May 2025), sporadic cases of diarrhoea and skin infections have already been reported, reinforcing the urgency of reliable WASH solutions.   Caption: WHO health partner giving essential health care services at one of the earthquake relief camps in Mandalay
Photo: WHO MyanmarEssential Medicines and Mental Health SupportIn the weeks following the disaster, WHO also used CFE funds to supply three months’ worth of noncommunicable disease (NCD) medications for more than 25,000 people with hypertension and diabetes, as well as 1,500 assistive devices to help individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges recover with dignity.WHO also scaled up mental health support, procuring mental health kits and providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for frontline workers. Over 450 health workers were trained in PFA and self-care, reaching thousands of community members experiencing grief, loss, and fear. Through the distribution of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) IEC materials and practical guidebooks, WHO is helping more than 22,900 (22000 earthquake affected individuals and 900 health care providers)—including frontline workers and volunteers—build the knowledge and skills needed to manage stress, cope with trauma, increase resilience and maintain mental well-being during recovery. Reaching the FrontlinesTo sustain and coordinate the response, CFE support helped WHO strengthen operational capacity across the country—including support to Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and Health Emergency Operations Centres (HEOCs). These platforms ensured health interventions were targeted, coordinated, and responsive to real-time needs on the ground.“CFE funding allowed us to act fast—when speed mattered most,” said Dr Thushara Fernando, WHO Representative to Myanmar. “It supported not only urgent needs, but also strengthened community-level resilience and essential health services that will carry into recovery.”As Myanmar continues its transition from immediate response to early recovery, WHO remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable with essential health care. This work has only been possible through the timely and flexible support from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE).Thanks to CFE, thousands of people—from pregnant women and injured patients to those managing chronic illness—have received the care, protection, and dignity they deserve in the wake of disaster.*This story was originally published on the WHO Myanmar website., filtered_html

Southern Shan State (Myanmar) – When the earth shook on 28 March 2025, it left behind more than rubble. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake —the most powerful to hit Myanmar in nearly a century— brought down homes for thousands across central and eastern Myanmar. With an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude striking just minutes later, the disaster left a staggering toll: over 3,800 dead, more than 5,100 injured, and hundreds still missing today. Among the hardest hit were the communities in Nyaung Shwe, Inle, and Pinlaung Townships in Southern Shan State. Entire villages lost homes, schools, and health centres. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its country office in Myanmar, has been at the heart of the response, partnering with local civil society organizations (CSOs) to deliver urgent relief and long-term psychosocial support to affected families.For Daw Nang, a mother from Ywargyi village near Inle Lake, the days following the earthquake were filled with fear. “After the earthquake, I didn’t know how to calm my children. They were crying at night, afraid of another shake,” she said. UNODC’s parenting leaflet helped her talk to them and comfort them when they were scared at night.UNODC’s multi-layered approach includes the distribution of Myanmar-language parenting resources focusing on emotional first aid and resilience-building. These materials, called Caring for Children in Earthquake Response, are designed to equip caregivers with simple, evidence-based techniques to support children’s emotional needs in crisis situations. Research shows that children who experience trauma are at greater risk of substance use later in life. By empowering families with tools for emotional support, the initiative helps prevent such long-term consequences and aligns with UNODC’s broader mission of drug use prevention through early intervention.“The combination of practical support through dignity kits and psychosocial assistance through parenting resources represents a holistic approach to disaster recovery,” said Yatta Dakowah, Head of the UNODC Office in Myanmar. “By addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience factors, we aim to support sustainable recovery for affected communities.A long-term visionIn the wake of the earthquake, communities in the Inle region could not access food. The scarcity of essential supplies threatened daily sustenance, particularly in a region with distinct dietary habits.  In coordination with trusted local partners, UNODC’s Myanmar Office rapidly mobilized resources to reach 36 villages in Nyaung Shwe and Pinlaung Townships. More than 2,000 dignity and hygiene kits were delivered, alongside rice packages for 3,750 families that were thoughtfully tailored to align with local food preferences. “Ensuring both cultural appropriateness and nutritional relevance, this timely intervention played a vital role in alleviating food insecurity during a critical period of recovery,” Dakowah said. But the support went deeper than material relief. UNODC trained CSO volunteers in psychosocial first aid and multi-level parenting support to build capacity to provide community-based care in the months and years ahead.“We are not just helping people survive; we are helping them heal,” said one local volunteer trained through the UNODC-supported programme. “People here feel seen and supported, and that makes all the difference.”Beyond the immediate aid, a story of solidarity unfolded in the highlands of Loilem Township. When the Bamboo Group from Pan Khauk Woe Village learned that temporary bamboo shelters were being provided to families in Inle they took swift action. Working with a CSO in Inle Township, they donated 500 bamboo poles to help rebuild damaged homes. The bamboo initiative is part of UNODC’s Alternative Development programme in Myanmar, which works to provide sustainable, licit livelihood opportunities for communities previously dependent on opium cultivation. By supporting the development of a resilient bamboo value chain —from cultivation and harvesting to processing and marketing— the programme has helped reduce reliance on illicit crops, improve household incomes, and strengthen community self-reliance.In areas like Loilem Township, where bamboo thrives naturally, the initiative has not only created economic alternatives but also fostered environmental stewardship and social cohesion. “We knew we had something to give,” said a member of the Bamboo Group. “These people are our neighbours, and we stand with them in this time of need.”Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Continued aftershocks, difficult access to remote areas, and funding constraints hamper recovery efforts. “Our work doesn’t end with the emergency phase,” UNODC’s Dakowah said. “We are here to support Myanmar’s families in rebuilding their lives, emotionally and physically, and to help communities emerge from it strong and connected.”*This story was originally published on the UNODC website., filtered_html

As the monsoon rains sweep across Myanmar, thousands of individuals and families displaced by the devastating March 2025 earthquakes face escalating threats to their health and well-being. Damaged or non-functional water supply systems, limited sanitation services, extreme heat, and a growing risk of flooding have created ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne diseases, especially in overcrowded camps and makeshift shelters.To address these growing challenges, WHO is working urgently with partners to strengthen access to clean and safe drinking water, restore essential health services, and prevent disease outbreaks in high-risk areas.As part of this effort, WHO is distributing water filters to healthcare facilities and displacement sites to enhance access to safe drinking water. Across Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, and Nyaung Shwe, 30 filters installed at 27 clinics and three auxiliary midwife locations, provide clean water to over 13 500 people each month.This targeted intervention is helping communities reduce the risk of diseases such as acute watery diarrhoea, cholera, and other waterborne infections. According to WHO’s latest situation report (30 May 2025), the onset of the monsoon rains is already posing additional health risks in earthquake-affected areas, particularly in tents and makeshift shelters. Sporadic cases of acute watery diarrhoea and skin infections have been reported, underscoring the urgency of ensuring access to safe water and sanitation.“Living here is really difficult. In a month and a half, there will likely be flooding in this area. If flooding occurs, everyone here will face serious difficulties,” says U Kyi (name changed), a 65-year-old who has been living in a makeshift tent since the earthquakes that struck Myanmar on 28 March. (Watch this video of U Kyi, as he shares the hardships of living in a temporary shelter, now made worse by the ongoing monsoon rains and the constant threat to health and safety)Building local capacity for water safetySafe drinking water, along with adequate sanitation, and hygiene is a cornerstone of public health. Inadequate facilities increase the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly in overcrowded shelters and underserved communities.To build local capacity and resilience, WHO is collaborating with partners, including the Red Cross, UNICEF, and WFP, to strengthen water safety systems and share vital health information. This includes disseminating Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to empower communities and promote health behaviors. This intervention aims to protect the most vulnerable, especially families in temporary shelters, rural health facilities, and communities with limited infrastructure.Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain. Many communities, as well as essential institutions such as health centers and schools, continue to face challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services. While coordinated efforts with implementing partners are underway, funding constraints impede the scale and reach of the response. Increased support is needed to ensure safe water access for all.Access to safe water is not only a necessity, it is vital to preventing disease and protecting lives.  By combining immediate response with sustained system strengthening, WHO and partners are working to ensure that communities across Myanmar stay safe and healthy, and resilient.Read more about the WHO’s earthquake response here 
Find out how to support the response  here*This story was originally published on the WHO Myanmar website., filtered_html