Vulnerability and social determinants of health among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar post-military coup

Abstract Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated particular challenges for internally displaced persons (IDPs). In Myanmar, over 1.4 million people are internally displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict post the military coup in February 2021. However, the plight and the well-being of IDPs in Myanmar under this military regime and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic have not garnered much attention locally, regionally, or globally. The current study examines how the military coup has exacerbated the health and well-being of the IDPs in Myanmar more vulnerable and increasing the risk of disease and COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted using Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) referrals, and purposive sampling. A total of 17 IDPs participated in the depth interview. The finding reveals that the IDPs are experiencing anxiety and fear every day which adversely affected their mental health due to the intensification of the armed conflict and attacks on civilian places including the IDP shelters. It has increased their risk of contracting COVID-19, malaria, and dengue fever during precarious living environments. Additionally, the military's restriction of all humanitarian aid, including basic health care, medicine, and food has negatively affected their health and well-being due to food shortages and insufficient access to healthcare. The findings indicated that a major human health disaster and a humanitarian catastrophe can be prevented only if the international community takes immediate action to end the military brutality against its citizens and extends humanitarian assistance, including vaccines to all IDPs.