Myanmar Northwest District Superintendent Lal Pekmawia shared an update on the country’s current situation with COVID-19 amid the ongoing military takeover in Myanmar.

“Here in Southeast Asia, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase. In July, the city of Tahan reported that nearly 450 people died due to COVID-19. One of the most significant needs is oxygen tanks. Many nongovernmental organizations and churches are struggling to help meet the needs, but there is still a long way to go.

If one disease was not enough, we also hear that Dengue Fever is also on the rise. This morning, we received word from one of our pastors about his family struggling with this, as well as many others. To complete the triple threat, the civil war in Myanmar continues. War brings death, destruction, and increased poverty to people who already struggle.

Yet, there is hope. In the midst of this, churches are standing firm with the gospel message and their words and actions. We continue to hear how churches are providing food, shelter, masks, and oxygen tanks.

Oxygen supply for patients is of utmost need. People line up to get access to oxygen tanks, but most of them go home empty handed. The district’s Nazarene Disaster Response team is planning to buy oxygen concentrators that will be placed in Chapman International College and Kalaymyo Center, located in the district office, to help the community. in addition, the response team is planning on opening the center to treat and care for COVID-19 positive patients. They will need more volunteers to help in responding to this challenging situation in their area.

In the Northwest District, several pastors and many members were suffering from COVID-19. Some have recovered but still need ongoing medication and supply of oxygen. There are also four deaths, including two babies.

Please continue to pray for Myanmar and the many other places around the world experiencing times of hardship. 

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific