Skin Disease Outbreak Reported at Shwe Nyaung Kone IDP Camp Amid Medicine Shortages

Displaced civilians at Shwe Nyaung Kone IDP camp, located in the western part of Hpruso Township, Karenni State, are experiencing widespread skin irritation affecting students, children, and elderly. Cases have increased over the past week, and the camp is facing serious shortages of medical supplies, according to an IDP camp official.

“Both internally displaced people and nearby villagers are suffering from skin infections, with many developing fluid-filled rashes. Nearly all school-aged children have been affected,” the camp official said.

At present, displaced families are receiving only limited medical support from the camp’s health clinic. However, severe shortages of medicine have forced some residents to share a single bottle of medication between multiple people, while others have turned to traditional remedies using locally available herbs.

In previous years, particularly in 2023 and 2024, IDPs received hygiene supplies from civil society organizations. However, throughout 2025, no such assistance has been provided, the camp representatives said.

“At present, no organizations have come to provide assistance, so we are facing significant difficulties,” a member of the IDP camp committee added.

IDPs also noted that the outbreak has been exacerbated by cold winter temperatures and limited access to clean water in the mountainous area. As a result, skin irritation has become more severe, especially on the arms and legs, and in many cases has spread across the entire body.

According to sources, Shwe Nyaung Kone IDP camp is home to 73 households with a total population of 355 people, including internally displaced persons, local villagers, and school-aged children. Most residents were displaced from Loikaw, Demoso, and Hpruso towns.