Sector specific aid
The gathering storm: infectious diseases and human rights in Burma
How can effective, transparent and accountable aid be delivered to Burma?
Authors:
E. Stover; V. Suwanvanichkij; A. Moss
Publisher:
Human Rights Center, University of California, Berkeley, 2007
This document sheds light on the factors that have contributed to Burma’s health situation and the spread of infectious diseases in Burma, and across its borders. It also explores options for the delivery of international aid to combat infectious diseases in a manner that would be transparent and accountable whilst reaching those most in need, promoting respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
The authors argue that decades of repressive military rule, civil war, corruption, poor governance, isolation, and widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have rendered Burma’s health care system incapable of responding effectively to endemic and emerging infectious diseases.
Recommendations put forward include:
- the Government of Burma must develop a national health care system that is participatory and incorporates human rights so as to ensure that health care is distributed effectively, equitably, and transparently
- donors and foreign aid organisations should monitor and evaluate how international aid to combat infectious diseases in Burma is affecting domestic expenditures on health and education
- relevant UN agencies, national and local governments, and international and local NGOs should establish a regional Narcotics Working Group
- the Three Diseases Fund should play an active role in promoting the growth and capacity of local nongovernmental and community-based health organisations to respond to infectious diseases in Burma and the border regions
- the Government of Burma must stop engaging in violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and must hold accountable government and military officials who are responsible for these abuses.
