Ko Khaing Soe Win is 34 years old. He used to work as a bricklayer and supports a family of nine. Two months after starting his tuberculosis (TB) treatment, the earthquake struck. He and his family fled their home to find safety at a campsite, where they stayed in tents provided by the community. Luckily, his wooden house was not badly damaged, and they were able to return home after two weeks.
The earthquake affected his mental and physical health. Over time, he slowly adjusted to his new situation.
"I felt very anxious and could not think properly. Due to displacement and anxiety, I could not eat and sleep well, although I knew those factors were important for my health," he recalled.
His TB treatment was disrupted. "I escaped from the house without bringing my anti-TB drugs and other important documents," he said. He contacted a volunteer from The Union, who helped him get new medicines. After two weeks, he got his medicine back from his house, but his medical records were lost as they had been stored at a volunteer’s home that collapsed during the earthquake.
Despite these disruptions, he did not experience any shortage of medicine, and he maintained regular contact with a community volunteer. He also received routine health checks, such as sputum tests.
At first, it was hard to get clean water in the campsite, but eventually his family received food, water, hygiene kits and money. He took care to prevent the spreading of TB. "I wore the mask throughout the time when living in the temporary tent and frequently used hand sanitation gel," he added.
Ko Khaing Soe Win also faced discrimination while living in the tents. "While staying in the camp, some people avoided me, they refused to share the utensils with my family. That made me feel discrimination. I am also concerned about the spread of infection because of me," he shared sadly.
Since his TB diagnosis, he could not work and his family relied on his wife’s income. He was grateful for the community and volunteer support that ensured his access to medicine. He stressed the importance of peer support, along with financial and emotional assistance. However, more support is needed.