Karen Department of Health and Welfare of Annual Report 2011

Introduction
In Karen populated areas of eastern Burma (Myanmar), decades of armed conflict and human
rights violations have led to displacement of more than 400,000 villagers and have forced
hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighboring Thailand. The government of Burma, now
called the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, did not in the past and still does not provide
health care to the population affected for decades by its operations.
The Karen Department of Health and Welfare (KDHW) provides free primary health care and
disease-specific health care programs to this conflict-affected population. It trains indigenous
staff as community health workers to deliver health services through mobile health clinics
located in all seven districts of Karen state. The Karen state recognized by Karen people differs
from Kayin State as defined by the government of Burma. The map of Karen state shown in
Figures 2a and 2b serves only for administrative purposes.
In 2011, KDHW added the word “Karen” to every program to emphasize that all services under
KHDW are provided by people living in Karen State to those living in Karen State. Our programs
are a response to the needs of the communities in Karen State.
New sections in this year’s annual report describe the Karen Primary Eye Care Program, the
Karen Mental Health Pilot Project, and Training and Capacity Building. We also proudly
announce our newly updated website, kdhw.org, which gives information about our
organization and health programs.
Mission Statement
The main aim of KDHW is to provide for the health of everyone through community-based
health care.
Objectives
• To provide essential drugs and medical supplies
• To treat local common diseases and minor injuries
• To decrease morbidity and mortality due to common diseases
• To deliver health information and education to the people
• To promote community responsibility and participation in health care work
• To promote community participation in management of emergency health situations
• To develop community awareness regarding health
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