Breaking Boundaries, Sustaining Action: The Post-Rabies Day Roadmap to Zero by 30

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Dr Aung Tun

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Breaking Boundaries, Sustaining Action: The Post-Rabies Day Roadmap to Zero by 30

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A Global and Regional Menace: Understanding the Prevalence

Rabies, an acute viral infection of the central nervous system, is virtually 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms appear, yet it is also 100 per cent preventable. This paradox makes rabies a neglected public health crisis, especially in Asia and Africa. Globally, dog-mediated rabies causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually, with 40 per cent of victims being children under 15 years old. The vast majority — up to 95 per cent of human deaths — occur in these two continents where dog vaccination and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) access are often limited.
 
The Persistent Burden in Myanmar
In Myanmar, rabies remains a major, high-priority public health concern. Despite national efforts against other diseases, rabies has been responsible for more deaths than malaria in recent years. Fatalities and Exposure: Myanmar sees an estimated 200 human deaths from rabies annually. Furthermore, between 150,000 to 200,000 people suffer from dog bites each year, placing a huge strain on the public health system. Approximately 40 per cent of victims are children under 15.
Reservoir: The disease burden is significantly linked to an estimated 3.8 million dogs nationwide, many of which are stray or free-roaming. High incidence areas include Yangon, Mandalay, and Bago Regions.
 
The Current Alarm: Recent Occurrence in Thailand
The threat of rabies is constant in Southeast Asia, and recent events in a neighboring country serve as a stark reminder of its persistent danger.
In September 2025, a rabies outbreak led authorities in Thailand to declare parts of Bangkok and Samut Prakan as temporary epidemic zones, imposing a 30-day ban on the movement of dogs, cats, and other mammals. This was triggered by the detection of infected stray animals in high- mobility urban areas. This rapid spread in a major urban center underscores the need for constant, robust surveillance and control measures across the region, particularly after major awareness events have concluded.
The Disease Process: From Host to Brain
Rabies is caused by the Rabies Lyssavirus. While domestic dogs are responsible for up to 99 per cent of human cases in Asia, the virus can be transmitted by any warm-blooded animal, including cats, bats, and certain wildlife species.
Transmission to humans occurs primarily when virus-laden saliva enters:
Bites or Scratches: The most common route is a deep bite or scratch from an infected animal.
Open Wounds: The virus can also enter the body if saliva makes contact with existing open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). Intact skin does not transmit the virus.
 
Once the virus enters the body, the process is:
Entry and Incubation: The virus enters the body. The incubation period is highly variable, typically 3 to 8 weeks, but can range from days to years.
Replication and Travel: The virus replicates locally, then enters the peripheral nerves. 3.Ascension and CNS Infection: The virus travels slowly up the nerves towards the spinal cord and brain. Once it reaches the brain, it causes fatal inflammation (encephalitis).
Symptom Onset and Spread: The virus travels back down the nerves to the salivary glands, where it is shed in the saliva, making the animal infectious to others.
 
Signs of Rabies in Dogs
If you observe the following signs in a dog in your community, you should suspect Rabies:
Unprovoked aggression or suddenly attacking people or objects.
Making unusual sounds (crying, whining, or changes in the usual bark).
Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth.
Chewing or swallowing non-food items (e.g., stones, straw, cloth).
Abnormal change in behavior (e.g., becoming lethargic, hiding, or failing to recognize their owner).
 
Life-Saving Steps After a Bite (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – PEP)
If you are bitten, scratched, or licked on an open wound by an animal (especially a dog), you must take the following 3 steps immediately without delay.
 
Step 1: Wash the Wound for 15 Minutes with Soap and Water
Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of water and soap for a minimum of 15 minutes. This is the most crucial first-aid action and dramatically reduces the amount of virus at the site of infection, significantly preventing transmission.
After washing, apply an antiseptic solution (such as Betadine or iodine) to the wound.
Practical Alert: Do NOT suture (stitch) the wound. If suturing is necessary due to the severity of the injury, it should only be done after a healthcare professional has administered Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) around the wound. Also, avoid tight bandaging.
 
Step 2: GO to a Health Facility Immediately
Regardless of the animal (even a domestic pet), clean the wound and proceed to the nearest Rural Health Centre, Township Hospital, or Clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Emergency Alert: If the bite is on the face, head, neck, fingers, or toes (areas rich in nerves), this is a high-risk scenario. Treat it as an emergency and seek the hospital immediately, as the virus can reach the brain faster.
 
Step 3: Receive the Necessary Vaccine and RIG
The doctor will assess the severity of the wound (known as the exposure category) and determine if you require the Rabies Vaccine and/or Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).
RIG: This is an antibody injection given directly around and into the bite site to immediately neutralize the virus before the vaccine can take effect. For severe (Category III) wounds, RIG is essential in addition to the vaccine.
 
Practical Information for the Public (Myanmar):
Rabies vaccines and RIG are generally available at Major Public Hospitals and Health Departments under the Ministry of Health.
Vaccines are often provided free of charge or at a low cost at government hospitals. However, the availability and cost of services, especially RIG, may vary by region. Always check with your local health provider.
 
Preventing Rabies (Our Collective Responsibility)
Preventing Rabies is the single most effective way to save lives. Global initiatives, including WHO and WRD (World Rabies Day), aim to achieve Zero human deaths from dog-mediated Rabies by 2030.
Vaccinate Your Dogs
The single most effective way to control Rabies in a community is by vaccinating dogs. Achieving 70% vaccination coverage of the dog population is enough to break the cycle of transmission.
Make it your responsibility to consult a veterinarian and ensure your pet dog is vaccinated annually against Rabies.
Systematic control and vaccination of stray/roaming dogs are also critical to protecting the wider community.
2.     Avoid Bites
Educate children on how to interact safely with dogs (e.g., never approach a strange dog, never disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating, and never tease a dog).
Avoid contact with wild animals (like bats or foxes) entirely. They may carry the virus
3.Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Individuals at high risk of exposure (e.g., veterinarians, laboratory workers, or frequent travelers to high-risk areas) should consider receiving the Rabies Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis vaccine.
Receiving PrEP simplifies post-exposure treatment. If bitten, the person would only need two doses of the vaccine and would not require the costly and sometimes difficult-to-find RIG.
 
Sustained Action: Myanmar’s ‘One Health’ Roadmap
World Rabies Day is a kickoff, not a finish line. To achieve the global goal of “Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030,”Myanmar is implementing a long-term ‘One Health’ strategy, uniting the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Department of Livestock and Veterinary (DLVD).
 
DLVD Initiatives: Eliminating Rabies at the Source (The Dog)
The DLVD drives the elimination strategy through its National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination in Dogs (2018–2030):
* Mass Dog Vaccination (MDV): This is the paramount action. The DLVD, in collaboration with partners, conducts extensive vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas (e.g., Yangon, Mandalay, Bago), aiming for a sustained 70% dog vaccination coveragethe threshold required to break the transmission cycle.
* Pilot Success: Successful pilot projects in townships like Lewe and Nyaung-U demonstrated that high coverage leads to a cessation of animal rabies cases, proving that elimination is feasible.
MOH Initiatives: Protecting Human Life
The MOH ensures the human population is protected:
* Free and Accessible PEP: Maintaining a consistent supply and distribution of free rabies vaccines and RIG to hospitals nationwide, ensuring timely treatment regardless of location.
* Community Education: Continuous public health campaigns promoting the life-saving steps of wound washing and immediate PEP seeking.
Conclusion
Despite the massive progress in global health, rabies remains a deadly, neglected tropical disease, yet it is entirely preventable through the concerted efforts of the animal and human health sectors. The only true barrier to achieving “Zero by 30” is the failure to sustain action — the willingness to let down our guard between awareness campaigns. The lesson from both the global prevalence and local efforts in Myanmar is clear: Rabies is eliminated at the community level, one vaccinated dog at a time, and one prompt medical intervention at a time. It requires persistent funding, unwavering political commitment to the ‘One Health’ strategy, and most critically, the continuous engagement of every citizen to ensure their pets are protected and they know the life-saving steps of wound care. We must move beyond celebrating awareness days and embed rabies prevention as a fundamental, non-negotiable part of our daily public and animal health commitment, guaranteeing a rabies-free future for our children.
 
REFERENCES
World Health Organization (WHO) – Rabies & Myanmar Country Office Reports.
Myanmar National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination in Dogs (2018–2030) – DLVD/WOAH.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – Rabies Portal & Success Stories on Myanmar.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Global Rabies.
Recent Regional Public Health Bulletins (eg, Reports on Rabies Outbreaks in Thailand).
GNLM

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Unity leads to progress while duplicity brings ruin
Unity leads to progress while duplicity brings ruin
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It serves as a reminder that our fates are all linked. If the boat sinks, we all sink; if it reaches its destination, we all arrive together. This message is even more important in our world today.Real-World ExamplesClimate Change and Pandemics: Look at the issue of Climate Change. Whether a nation is big or small, it is something no one can avoid. Similarly, think back to the COVID-19 pandemic. We couldn’t just ignore it because it was happening on the other side of the world; all of humanity had to face it together. This proved that we are all passengers on the same boat.The Space Station. A great example from history is the International Space Station (ISS). In space, scientists from many different countries, including the United States and Russia, must live and work together to survive, even if their countries have political problems on Earth. Why? Because if one person makes a mistake in space, everyone’s life is at risk.The true value of this proverb is “unity”. Whether in a family or at a workplace, instead of coldly saying, “That’s not my problem,” we need to realize we are all moving towards the same goal. If one person is rowing the boat while another is drilling a hole in the bottom, nobody will reach the destination. This proverb encourages us to help one another and use our collective strength to move forward.If you look at the modern economy, this proverb is more accurate than ever. The world is connected by the “Global Supply Chain,” so it is no surprise that a problem in one place affects everyone else.The 2008 Financial Crisis: This started with the collapse of the US housing market. However, the impact didn’t stop there; it crashed stock markets across Europe, Asia, and the entire world. When one country’s boat gets a hole, water enters the hulls of other countries as well. It showed that we cannot truly separate our economies; we share the same fate.The Suez Canal Incident: Consider when the massive ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal. That one ship blocked about 12 per cent of global trade, leading to product shortages and price hikes in many countries. It was a practical lesson that we are all in the same economic boat.In business and international relations, we should move beyond the mindset of “rowing only my own boat.” We must help each other so that we can weather the storms together. We are living in an era where one person’s success benefits everyone, and one person’s failure becomes a risk for us all.The significance of the proverb, “We ride in the same boat, we go on the same journey,” becomes even clearer when we look at the current 2026 Iran War. This conflict is not just a regional issue; it demonstrates how the entire world is connected, showing us that when one part of the world struggles, we all feel the impact – just like passengers sharing the same boat.“လှေနံနှစ်ဖက်နင်း “တစ်လှေတည်းစီး တစ်ခရီးတည်းသွား” ဆိုတဲ့ စည်းလုံးညီညွတ်မှုအကြောင်း ပြောပြီးရင်၊ လှေနဲ့ပတ်သက်ပြီး လူမှုရေးလောကမှာ “လှေနံနှစ်ဖက်နင်း” ဆိုတဲ့ သင်ခန်းစာကိုလည်း မေ့ထားလို့ မရပါဘူး။ ဒီစကားပုံက တစ်ဖက်ဖက်မှာ ပြတ်ပြတ်သားသား မရပ်တည်ဘဲ အကျိုးအမြတ်အတွက် ဟိုဘက်ဒီဘက် ခွထားတဲ့သူတွေကို ရည်ညွှန်းတာပါ။ တစ်ယောက်က လှေနှစ်စင်းကို ခွနင်းထားမယ်ဆိုရင် အဲဒီလူဟာ လှေနှစ်စင်းစလုံးရဲ့ ခရီးစဉ်ကို နှောင့်နှေးစေရုံတင်မကဘဲ နောက်ဆုံးမှာ သူကိုယ်တိုင်လည်း ရေထဲကျပြီး ဒုက္ခရောက်တတ်ပါတယ်။သမိုင်းဝင်ဖြစ်ရပ်တွေထဲက ဥပမာပေးရရင် ဒုတိယကမ္ဘာစစ်တုန်းက အီတလီနိုင်ငံ ရဲ့ ရပ်တည်ချက်ကို ကြည့်နိုင်ပါတယ်။ အစပိုင်းမှာ ဝင်ရိုးတန်းနိုင်ငံတွေ (ဂျာမနီ၊ ဂျပန်) နဲ့ ပေါင်းခဲ့ပေမဲ့ စစ်အခြေအနေ မကောင်းတော့တဲ့အခါ မဟာမိတ်ဘက်ကို ပြောင်းဖို့ ကြိုးစားခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ဒီလို မပြတ်သားတဲ့ ရပ်တည်ချက်ကြောင့် အီတလီနိုင်ငံဟာ နှစ်ဖက်စလုံးရဲ့ ယုံကြည်မှုကို ဆုံးရှုံးခဲ့ရပြီး တိုင်းပြည်အတွက် အရမ်းကို အထိနာခဲ့ရပါတယ်။စီးပွားရေးလောကမှာလည်း ဒီအတိုင်းပါပဲ။ Kodak (ကိုဒတ်) ကုမ္ပဏီဟာ ဒစ်ဂျစ်တယ်ကင်မရာ နည်းပညာကို အစောကြီးကတည်းက ပိုင်ဆိုင်ထားပေမဲ့ ဖလင်ရောင်းရတဲ့ အကျိုးအမြတ်ကိုလည်း မစွန့်နိုင်၊ ဒစ်ဂျစ်တယ်ဘက်ကိုလည်း အားစိုက်ရမလိုလိုနဲ့ “လှေနံနှစ်ဖက်နင်း” နေခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ပြတ်သားတဲ့ ဆုံးဖြတ်ချက် မချနိုင်ခဲ့တဲ့အတွက် နောက်ဆုံးမှာတော့ တဟုန်ထိုး တိုးတက်လာတဲ့ နည်းပညာလှိုင်းအောက်မှာ နစ်မြုပ်သွားခဲ့ရပါတယ်။တကယ်တော့ “လှေနံနှစ်ဖက်နင်း” တဲ့ အလေ့အကျင့်ဟာ လူသားချင်း ယုံကြည်မှုကို ပျက်ပြားစေပါတယ်။ လှေတစ်စင်းထဲမှာ အတူစီးနေသူတွေအချင်းချင်း “ဒီလူ ငါတို့နဲ့ တကယ်ရော ပါရဲ့လား” ဆိုတဲ့ သံသယဝင်လာပြီဆိုရင် အဲဒီအဖွဲ့အစည်းဟာ ပြိုကွဲဖို့ လမ်းစပါပဲ။“Straddling two boats”An important lesson: “straddling two boats.” This proverb refers to those who do not take a firm stand on one side but instead try to play both sides for their own benefit. If someone tries to stand on two different boats, they not only slow down the journey for both, but they will eventually fall into the water and face trouble themselves.For a historical example, look at Italy’s position during World War II. At first, they aligned with the Axis powers (Germany and Japan), but when the war situation turned sour, they tried to switch to the Allied side. Because of this indecisive stance, Italy lost the trust of both sides and suffered greatly. This is a clear example of the negative consequences of “straddling two boats” in politics.The business world tells a similar story. You likely remember the giant company, Kodak. Although they possessed digital camera technology very early on, they were unwilling to give up their profits from film sales, yet they tried to invest in digital technology as well, effectively “straddling two boats”. Because they could not make a firm decision, they eventually sank under the rapidly advancing wave of new technology.In reality, the habit of “straddling two boats” destroys trust between people. When people riding in the same boat start to wonder, “Is this person really with us?”, the organization is on the path to collapse. In modern workplaces, those who are disloyal and try to play both sides often fail to earn anyone’s long-term trust, and their careers often suffer as a result.In conclusion, while the “riding in the same boat” mindset brings progress, the “straddling two boats” mindset only leads to destruction.gnlm
From Sankranti to Thingyan: The Story Behind the Festival
From Sankranti to Thingyan: The Story Behind the Festival
Thingyan is more than just a joyful celebration filled with water, music, and laughter — it is a festival deeply rooted in history, language, and cultural meaning. The question “Why do we call Thingyan?” opens the door to understanding the origins and significance behind one of Myanmar’s most important traditions.The word “Thingyan” is believed to come from the Sanskrit term “Sankranti”, which means “transit” or “movement”. Specifically, it refers to the transition of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. In Myanmar tradition, this transition marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. Over time, the word evolved linguistically into “Thingyan”, adapted into the Burmese language while retaining its original meaning of change and passage.This idea of transition is central to the festival itself. Thingyan is not simply about celebrating the new year – it represents a shift, a moment of transformation. Just as the sun moves into a new position, people are encouraged to move forward in life by letting go of past mistakes, negativity, and hardships.The use of water during Thingyan also connects to this meaning. Water symbolizes cleansing and renewal. By pouring water on one another, people are not only participating in a fun activity but also expressing a deeper wish – to wash away the old and welcome the new with a pure heart.Historically, Thingyan has been influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. While its name and astronomical roots come from ancient Indian culture, its practices in Myanmar are closely tied to Buddhist values such as merit-making, kindness, and respect. This blend of influences has shaped Thingyan into a unique cultural identity that reflects the spirit of Myanmar.Today, although Thingyan is widely known for its lively celebrations and public festivities, the meaning behind its name remains important. It reminds people that life is constantly changing, and each new year is an opportunity to start again — with hope, positivity, and a renewed sense of purpose.In essence, we call it “Thingyan” because it represents transition — not only of time, but of the human spirit.gnlm
A Pilgrimage to the Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda
A Pilgrimage to the Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda
(Five-Terraced Paya) in InseinArlein-nga-sint PagodaWhen I was a boy, I lived with my family at a house on Insein Railway Station Road and frequented the Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda that was near our house. Thus, I had a strong desire to visit the Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda, which I had not reached for a long time since our family moved to a house in another town. An opportunity was offered to me last week.That day, I alone took YBS No 6 bound from South Dagon for Hlinethaya. I got off at Sawbwagyigon junction. I noticed some men calling out “Bago! Bago!” as they mistook me for a traveller heading towards their buses. Nearby, hawkers were selling snacks and drinking water. Passing by them, I hurried towards the archway gate of the pagoda as the sun grew increasingly intense. I quickly walked across Sawbwagyigon Park. No time, I entered the precincts by the eastern archway gate.The history of this pagoda goes thus: The Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda was founded on a five-acre wide estate on the 5th waxing day of Kason in 1320 ME by Sayadaw U Suriya, a monk of Kayin ethnicity. The then president, U Win Maung, laid the cornerstone. During his 35 Vasas (Rains Retreat), Sayadaw U Suriya undertook the missionary works seriously. He practised insight meditation seriously and preached the sermons on the four Noble Truths. He donated Buddha images, pagodas or stupas, monasteries, and hospitals for the Sangha. Thus, he became widely known as ‘Maha Sae Winkabar Sayadaw’, a revered figure across Myanmar during the 1960s. He demised at the age of 55 in his 35th Vasa. After his demise, Sayadaw U Panna Vumsa, and then Sayadaw U Agga Dhamma, succeeded him. Now, Venerable Sayadaw U Panna became a Presiding Sayadaw and proceeded to carry out the missionary undertakings.I walked directly to the two-storeyed building that preserved the undecayed body of Sayadaw U Suriya, near the eastern archway gate. As I walked upstairs, I saw a glass coffin containing his gilt body lying peacefully. Even after many years, his body remained unchanged, which I understood as a symbol of spiritual purity and the eradication of mental defilements (Kilesa). I paid homage with deep reverence and looked up at the old photographs, including images of the Sayadaw preaching at Kyaikkasan Pagoda, as well as portraits of him and his parents. This experience filled me with faith and inner peace.Glass coffin in which undecayed body of Sayadaw U Suriya is placedThe precincts of the pagoda were serene and refreshing. Surrounded by leafy and branching trees, the environment was cool and quiet, accompanied only by the gentle calls of birds. I observed many significant religious features, including about 126 pagodas, ancient Tazaung with fine architectural designs, sublime Buddha images, figures of alchemists, figures of the king and his subjects, a shrine in which Maha Pinnwe Nat (Ganesha) was housed, a sacred Bodhi tree where devotees pour water on Kason Full Moon Day, the Naga Yon Buddha image, Arlein Nanmyint, and Nat shrines. Altogether, these elements made the precinct a spiritually enriching place.I , through the accessible staircase, ascended Arlein-nga-sint Pagoda (five-terraced Pagoda) . The level one was in the basement. The remaining levels or terraces were above the ground. Rising 180 feet to its sacred umbrella, with an equal circumference, its five terraces symbolize the five levels of Mount Meru. Each level is believed to be guarded by celestial beings such as Naga (Celestial Serpent), Garuda (Roc), Kumbhaṇḍas (Celestial Ogre), Gandharva (Celestial Being) etc. On the uppermost terrace, I saw a standing seven-foot-two-inch teak image of the Bodhisatta Ariya Metteya facing eastwards, and I paid homage to it. Then, I, to my heart’s content, enjoyed a panoramic view of the surrounding pagodas, missionary buildings, Sawbwagyigon Park, where some people were resting peacefully under the shade of large leafy trees and high-rise buildings that appeared recently. Then, I walked downstairs.I entered a wide place that was like a maze well known as “A-Kwe-ta-thaung, A-kauk-ta-thaung” (အကွေ့တစ်ထောင်၊အကောက်တစ်ထောင်) in Myanmar. With thousands of paths, this place was very complicated. I found some small brick buildings in which only one person could meditate. I walked across this place.Soon, I arrived at a large hall housing a colossal emerald-green seated Buddha image. This sublime image, said to have been donated by Sayadaw Venerable. Agga Dhamma, according to a dream, is believed to fulfil wishes. I paid homage and donated. Then, I looked around the wide hall in which many seated Buddha Images were housed. I looked up at the paintings of Buddha’s life on the ceiling. Then, I quietly moved on.Seated emerald-green Buddha ImageI then visited another building where ancient royal crafts were displayed. There, I studied priceless artefacts once used in the courts of Myanmar kings. I paid homage to the Su-taung-pyi (wish-fulfilled) Buddha image, which had been worshipped by a line of six successive Myanmar kings, as well as the standing Adhithan Aung Buddha image once revered by King Pyu Saw Hti. These encounters deepened my appreciation of Myanmar’s rich religious and cultural heritage.I got again to the place near the eastern archway gate to find a stage reading ‘Kayin New Year Day’.Suddenly, I had thought of a Kayin New Year Festival held in the precinct when I lived on Insein Railway Station Road. On Kayin New Year Day, Kayin New Year Festival was held on the grand scale. The precincts was live and agog with many pwe-goers. Kayin people performed their Kayin Donyein, a Kayin traditional team- dance, on this stage and sang their traditional songs, showcasing their cultural identity. Fund-raising ceremonies were also organized, and temporary galleries displayed portraits of Karen national leader Saw Ba U Gyi and other prominent figures. Numerous stalls sold souvenirs at reasonable prices, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. When thousands gather, the event becomes both joyful and meaningful, strengthening cultural unity. During the festival, there was a long row of food stalls along Lantit Road.In conclusion, I obtained the religious benefits and came to know something about the culture of the Kayin people. The serene environment, remarkable architecture, historical significance, and vibrant traditions combined to leave a lasting impression on my mind. This visit strengthened my faith, broadened my understanding of Myanmar’s heritage, and filled me with a profound sense of peace and devotion.gnlm
Together for Health, Stand with Science
Together for Health, Stand with Science
1.   IntroductionEvery year on 7 April, World Health Day is celebrated on a grand scale across the globe. This significant day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as an occasion to accelerate public awareness activities aimed at elevating the health standards of all human beings globally.A total of 194 member states of the United Nations, including Myanmar, observe this day in unity under a specific annual theme. For 2026, the WHO has designated the theme: “Together for health. Stand with science”.This theme is highly timely and presents a valuable call to action in an era marked by the emergence of new infectious diseases, the adverse side effects of climate change, and the rampant spread of health-related misinformation. It highlights the critical need to rely on solid, science-based evidence and data, as well as cooperation, to overcome modern health challenges.2.   The History and Origin of World Health DayThe history of World Health Day is directly linked to the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO). Following the end of World War II, the United Nations was established in 1945. At that time, leaders from various nations realized the necessity of a specialized independent organization to address global infectious diseases and health issues collectively.Consequently, on 7 April 1948, the Constitution of the World Health Organization was officially ratified by numerous countries, formally establishing the WHO. To commemorate this historic founding, the first World Health Assembly decided to observe 7 April as “World Health Day”, a tradition that commenced in 1950.Every year since then, the WHO has selected a specific theme based on urgent global health issues to focus attention on critical matters and urge societies, governments, NGOs, and individuals to take active participation. Over the past decades, these themes have covered a wide spectrum of areas, including maternal and child health, the fight against against infectious diseases, mental health, environmental health, and universal health coverage.3.   Current Global Health Status and ChallengesAccording to the WHO’s Global Health Statistics 2025, Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases, remain the leading causes of death globally, accounting for approximately 74 per cent of all annual deaths.The major global health challenges faced today include:* Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) or Lifestyle Diseases: Over 41 million people die annually from NCDs worldwide, and approximately three-quarters of these deaths occur in developing and impoverished nations.* Healthcare Inequality: The WHO highlights that more than half of the world’s population still lacks access to the most basic, essential health services.* Unscientific Misinformation: With the rise of social media, unscientific data regarding medications, disease prevention and treatments are spreading widely, causing public confusion.On a positive note, owing to the dedicated efforts of global scientists, the average global life expectancy has risen from a mere 67 years in 2000 to 73.3 years in 2024, and maternal and child mortality rates are steadily declining. These are the true fruits of science.4.   The Essence of the Theme: “Together for Health, Stand with Science”This year’s theme is built upon two major pillars:1. Together for HealthHealth is not a matter to be handled solely by doctors, nurses, and the Ministry of Health. A healthy society can only be built when governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and individual citizens across the world combine their strengths and cooperate. Furthermore, under the “One Health” concept, human health is directly connected to the health of animals, plants, and the ecosystem of our planet; thus, all must be protected in balanced harmony.2. Stand with ScienceDuring the severe COVID-19 pandemic, global scientists successfully developed effective vaccines and treatments in a short period, saving millions of human lives. This is the “Power of Science”. Therefore, this theme urges us to avoid imaginary concepts and unscientific beliefs in disease prevention and treatment, and to trust and follow only solid research, evidence, and the directives of medical professionals.5.   Myanmar’s Health Sector Progress and Collaboration with WHOMyanmar is a member state of the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) and has actively collaborated with the WHO since its establishment in 1948. The WHO Country Office in Myanmar (WHO-Myanmar) has consistently provided technical support in formulating health policies, strengthening disease surveillance, and building staff capacity.Currently, Myanmar is achieving notable successes in various public health sectors by relying on scientific data.5. 1According to the data released in the Myanmar Statistical Yearbook 2025,significant improvements include:* Rising Life Expectancy: Data for 2025 reveals that the life expectancy of Myanmar men increased from 63 years in 2024 to 63.7 years. Similarly, the life expectancy of women increased from 72 years to 72.5 years, indicating robust health outcomes and effective public healthcare efforts in Myanmar.* Improvements in Maternal and Child Health: Infant mortality rates, under-five child mortality rates, and overall fertility rates are gradually declining year by year, proving the effectiveness of adopting scientific methods in maternal and child care.5.2 Key Findings of the 2024 Myanmar STEPS SurveyWith technical support from the WHO, the Ministry of Health successfully conducted the second national population-based STEPS Survey in 2024. The survey covered 8,252 adults aged 18 to 69 years across 52 townships.When comparing the results to the previous surveys conducted in 2009 and 2014, the 2024 survey highlighted several positive indicators and advancements in Myanmar’s NCD prevention sector:* Enhanced Disease Awareness and Early Detection: Among adults suffering from hypertension, a significant majority (58.1 per cent) had been previously diagnosed. Similarly, over half of those with diabetes (56.5 per cent) were already aware of their condition. This scientifically proves an encouraging expansion in screening capabilities in Myanmar.* Active Medical Management: A substantial proportion of diagnosed individuals are actively seeking treatment. Among adults previously diagnosed with diabetes, over half (50.4 per cent) were currently on medication. For hypertension, 43.6 per cent of affected individuals were seeking medical treatment.* Advancements in NCD Control: The 2024 survey observed crucial improvements compared to the 2009 and 2014 STEPS surveys, specifically in the areas of hypertension control and lipid management.* Abstinence from Alcohol: A large majority of the population in Myanmar (63.0 per cent) are lifetime abstainers from alcohol, serving as an outstanding protective community factor against related NCDs.* Maintaining Normal Body Weight: Despite rising global obesity trends, a strong majority of men (58.2 per cent) and more than half of women (53.6 per cent) in Myanmar still maintain a normal, healthy body weight.6.   How to Build a Healthy Lifestyle in Accordance with ScienceIn line with this year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” citizens are encouraged to take care of their health by adopting scientifically proven practices:For Physical Health:* Undergo Regular Screenings: Especially if you are over the age of 35, you should systematically measure your blood pressure and blood sugar at least once a year. Consult doctors to undergo cancer prevention screenings as well.* Maintain a Nutritious Diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Minimize the intake of salt, oil, and sugar, which can negatively impact the body. Drink an adequate amount of water.* Engage in Physical Activity: Engage in moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or aerobics for at least 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week.* Abstain from Tobacco and Alcohol: Tobacco products cause cancer and heart disease, so quit completely. Similarly, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided.For Mental Health:* Manage Stress: To reduce daily stress, practice meditation, take deep breaths, and ensure you maintain a regular sleep schedule of seven to eight hours a day.* Maintain Good Relationships: Building warm relationships with family members and friends is highly important in preventing depression.7.   ConclusionIn line with the traditional Myanmar proverb, “Health is the greatest wealth,” we can only successfully carry out our social, economic, and educational pursuits when we are healthy.The theme for 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science,” sounds a clarion call to global citizens and the people of Myanmar alike to cooperate more firmly based on scientific foundations in the health sector.The scientific data obtained from the 2024 STEPS Survey and the 2025 Statistical Yearbook demonstrate that Myanmar’s health sector is travelling on a progressive path. Therefore, to maintain this momentum and build an even better future health system, it is requested that every citizen, department, and organization participate together under the guiding principle of “Together for health. Stand with science.”Reference1. World Health Organization. World Health Day 2026 – WHO, Geneva, 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/20262. World Health Organization. Global Health Statistics 2025. WHO, Geneva, 2025.3. Ministry of Health, Myanmar. 2024 STEPS Survey: Improvements in NCD Risk Factor Management in Myanmar. Ministry of Health, Naypyidaw, 2024.4. Ministry of Planning and Finance. (2025) Myanmar Statistical Yearbook 2025. CSO, Naypyidaw, 2025.5. World Health Organization. Noncommunicable diseases: Key facts. WHO, Geneva, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases6. World Health Organization. Universal Health Coverage. WHO, Geneva, 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)7. World Health Organization. WHO South-East Asia Region: Myanmar Country Office. WHO-SEARO, 2025. Available at: https://www.who.int/myanmargnlm
Sustainable Development through Culture and Creativity Industries
Sustainable Development through Culture and Creativity Industries
IntroductionIn today’s global economic landscape, cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have emerged as a significant driver of sustainable development. These industries harness cultural resources, human creativity, and intellectual capital to generate economic, social, and cultural value. Consequently, many countries are increasingly prioritizing CCIs within their national development strategies.Myanmar, with its long and distinguished history, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and diverse traditional crafts. This cultural wealth provides a strong foundation and considerable potential for the development and expansion of cultural and creative industries in the country.Definition of Cultural and Creative IndustriesAccording to UNESCO, cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are sectors that rely on creativity, culture, knowledge, and intellectual property to produce goods and services that generate cultural, economic, and social value.More broadly, CCIs can be understood as industries that utilize cultural resources and creative capacities to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and safeguard cultural heritage.These industries encompass a wide range of sectors, including:• Performing arts (dance, theatre, and traditional performances)• Visual arts (painting, sculpture, and crafts)• Film and media• Music• Cultural tourism• Traditional crafts and design• Digital creative industries• Cultural heritage-related industries• Other creative sectorsThe Role of Myanmar Traditional HandicraftsIn Myanmar, cultural and creative industries are deeply rooted in the country’s intangible cultural heritage. These include the Ten Traditional Crafts (Pan Sel Myo), Thanaka, traditional handicrafts, and various forms of traditional artistic expression.The Ten Traditional Crafts – namely blacksmithing (Pan Be), goldsmithing (Pan Tein), bronze smithing (Pan Tin), masonry (Pan Tau), construction (Pan Yan), sculpture (Pan Pu), stucco work (Pan Tamaut), wood turning and lathe work (Pan Pwut), painting (Pan Chi), and lacquerware (Pan Yun) – are not only of significant artistic value but also contribute substantially to economic development. As such, they represent a vital component of Myanmar’s CCI sector.A notable example can be found in the Bagan region, where lacquerware (Pan Yun) is particularly prominent. This craft exemplifies the integration of traditional design, artistic creativity, and skilled craftsmanship. Lacquerware products contribute to heritage preservation, tourism development, and the livelihoods of local artisans, thereby reinforcing the role of CCIs in sustainable development.Moreover, the integration of traditional handicrafts with tourism generates income opportunities for local communities, strengthens cultural identity, and enhances both economic and social value.Cultural TourismMyanmar is home to numerous attractive tourist destinations, among which Bagan stands out as one of the most significant cultural heritage sites. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagan is renowned for its thousands of temples, pagodas, and ancient architectural masterpieces.These cultural assets serve as key resources for the development of cultural tourism. In addition, the Bagan region hosts a wide range of CCI-related activities, including the production of traditional foods such as fermented bean paste (Pon Yay Gyi), jaggery, and various preserved goods, as well as handicrafts such as textiles and lacquerware.Such industries play an important role in increasing tourism revenue, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.Outcomes of International CooperationKnowledge DevelopmentIn 2021, UNESCO published Backstage: Managing Creativity and the Arts in South-East Asia, which presents an analysis of creative sectors across nine South-East Asian countries, including Myanmar. The publication provides valuable insights into regional creative economies and their development trajectories.The book is available for free online access at the following link:https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381380Regional and International CooperationThe Mekong Institute, with support from the Mekong–Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), has been implementing the “Creative4Mekong” project to strengthen creative industries in the region.As part of this initiative, representatives from Mekong countries participated in a knowledge-sharing programme in South Korea in December 2024. Myanmar participants, particularly from the Bagan region, gained valuable insights into intellectual property systems and creative enterprise development.Such initiatives enhance Myanmar’s collaboration with international partners and contribute to strengthening its cultural and creative industries through knowledge exchange and capacity building.ASEAN and Cultural CooperationAs a member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Myanmar actively supports regional cultural policies and frameworks, which are endorsed at the ministerial level and further adopted at ASEAN Summit meetings.One significant milestone is the Siem Reap Declaration on Promoting a Creative and Adaptive ASEAN Community to Support the Cultural and Creative Economy, adopted in 2022 in Siem Reap. This declaration aims to strengthen the sustainability of CCIs and enhance cultural and economic resilience across ASEAN Member States.Background and RationaleAt the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) in 2020, discussions focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural sector and identified strategic priorities for recovery.Subsequently, at the ASEAN Regional Workshop on Creative Economy (ARWCE) in 2021, the ASEAN Creative Economy was defined as economic activities derived from human creativity, rooted in heritage, culture, arts, design, science, and media.Linkages with Regional FrameworksThe ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) recognizes cultural and creative industries as a key sector for post-pandemic recovery, highlighting their role in fostering resilience and sustainable development.Significance of ASEAN DeclarationsASEAN cultural declarations aim to:• Recognize the importance of culture and the arts• Safeguard and enhance cultural heritage• Promote the development of CCIs• Strengthen regional cultural cooperationCooperation and Future ActionsASEAN Member States are working collaboratively to:• Promote research and innovation in CCIs• Strengthen the capacity of cultural professionals• Enhance cultural awareness and knowledge exchange• Develop cultural tourism• Expand the use of digital technologiesThrough these efforts, CCIs are expected to become a major driving force for sustainable and resilient development in the ASEAN region.Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value CreationIn October 2025, ASEAN Member States adopted the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation. This declaration emphasizes the rights of Member States to identify, protect, and promote their cultural heritage while fostering inclusive and sustainable development.It also highlights the importance of investing in cultural and creative industries and promoting cultural tourism as a means of generating economic opportunities.Key AgreementsThe declaration outlines five priority actions:• Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for cultural value chains• Promoting a whole-of-ASEAN approach to new economic models• Investing in training and capacity-building programmes• Enhancing partnerships among cultural institutions and stakeholders• Improving monitoring and evaluation mechanismsChallenges Faced Within the ASEAN RegionDespite significant progress, the development of CCIs in ASEAN faces several challenges, including:• Limited financial resources• Weak intellectual property protection systems• Limited access to modern technologies• Constraints in market expansion• Declining interest among younger generations in traditional crafts• Difficulties in accessing raw materialsConclusionCultural and creative industries have become an essential pillar of sustainable development, contributing not only to economic growth but also to the enrichment of cultural life and community identity. Myanmar, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditional arts, holds strong potential for advancing its CCI sector.However, realizing this potential requires comprehensive and well-coordinated efforts. These include the formulation of effective policies, the strengthening of intellectual property protection, the provision of targeted financial support, and the implementation of capacity-building programmes.Equally important is the promotion of digital transformation through the development of online platforms, digital marketplaces, and e-commerce systems. In addition, fostering collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, international partners, and cultural practitioners is crucial.Through sustained multi-stakeholder cooperation, strategic investments, and policy reforms, Myanmar’s cultural and creative industries can achieve long-term, sustainable development and serve as a key driver of cultural and economic growth within the ASEAN region.gnlm
Sociolinguistics and language variety
Sociolinguistics and language variety
Sociolinguistics is a branch of linguistics that studies the relationship between language and society. Language is not only a system of sounds and symbols but also a social phenomenon. People use language to express identity, maintain relationships, and participate in social life. Sociolinguistics examines how language functions within social contexts and how social structures influence linguistic behaviour. Unlike approaches that treat language as fixed, sociolinguistics views language as dynamic and shaped by human interaction.Through sociolinguistic study, researchers explore why people speak differently in different situations, how language marks social boundaries, and how linguistic forms change over time. These differences are influenced by factors such as region, social class, age, gender, profession, and community membership. Language variation is systematic rather than random and reflects the organization and values of society. Because language is used in social settings, it carries social meanings, allowing speakers to express politeness, authority, solidarity, or distance through their language choices.One of the main concerns of sociolinguistics is the study of language varieties. A language variety refers to a specific form of language used by a particular group or in a particular context. These varieties include standard language, dialects, pidgins, creoles, and registers. Each variety reflects the social and cultural background of its speakers and serves particular communicative purposes within society.A dialect is a variety of a language spoken by a specific geographical, social, or ethnic group. Dialects differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sometimes grammar, but these differences are systematic and meaningful rather than incorrect. Regional dialects are associated with particular geographical areas and often reveal where a speaker comes from. In Myanmar, for example, pronunciation and vocabulary differences can indicate whether a speaker is from Upper Myanmar or Lower Myanmar. Such dialects help preserve local identity and cultural heritage.Social dialects, on the other hand, are linked to social class, profession, or group membership. They often reflect differences in education, occupation, and social status. People belonging to the same profession tend to share similar linguistic features. Teachers commonly use academic language, while lawyers rely on specialized legal vocabulary. These shared patterns strengthen group identity and allow efficient communication within professional communities.Accent and dialect are closely related. But they are distinct concepts. An accent refers only to differences in pronunciation, whereas a dialect includes differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. A speaker may use a standard dialect while retaining a regional accent. Sociolinguistics emphasizes that all dialects are linguistically systematic and should not be judged as inferior to the standard language.Pidgins and creoles develop in situations where speakers of different languages come into contact. A pidgin is a simplified mixed language used for practical communication, such as trade or work. It has a limited vocabulary and simplified grammar and is not the native language of any group. A creole develops when a pidgin becomes the first language of a new generation. Unlike pidgins, creoles are fully developed languages. It has expanded vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. It serves as an important marker of cultural identity.Another important concept in sociolinguistics is register, which refers to variation in language use according to situation, purpose, and audience. Speakers naturally adjust their language when communicating with friends, teachers, employers, or strangers. Formal registers are commonly used in academic writing, legal documents, and official speeches, while informal registers are used in everyday conversation. Understanding register helps speakers choose appropriate language and avoid social misunderstandings.Sociolinguistics plays a vital role in improving communication. It can also promote respect for linguistic diversity. Individuals can communicate more effectively by being aware of language varieties and social norms in different contexts. Without sociolinguistic knowledge, people may misinterpret speech, judge dialects unfairly, or fail to adapt their language appropriately. In multilingual and multicultural societies, sociolinguistic competence is essential for social harmony and mutual understanding.In conclusion, sociolinguistics provides valuable insights into how language functions within society. Examining language variation, dialects, accents, pidgins, creoles, and registers reveals the close connection between language, identity, and social structure. Language is not merely a tool for communication, but a reflection of social relationships and cultural values, and greater awareness of sociolinguistics leads to more effective and respectful communication.gnlm
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