The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) works to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable people and communities across Myanmar. Its health work focuses on primary health care, health promotion, disease prevention and community-based health services.

Through its nationwide network of Red Cross volunteers, branches and health professionals, MRCS works with communities to improve access to essential health services and build healthier and more resilient communities.

MRCS’s Health Strategy and Strategic Plan (2026–2030) supports Strategic Goal 1: Build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities by addressing emergency needs, reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening their capacity to manage disasters and crises.

The strategy focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, primary health care and community resilience. It also aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and Red Cross structures to respond to health needs and emergencies.

Health Promotion and Community Resilience

Health promotion is a key part of MRCS’s health work. Through community-based programmes, MRCS helps people understand health risks, prevent disease, adopt healthy behaviour and access appropriate health services.

Health promotion and community resilience activities are currently being implemented in many townships across Myanmar. These activities receive financial and technical support from Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners and other organizations.

Key partners include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Norwegian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, Swedish Red Cross, Austrian Red Cross, Red Cross Society of China and Canadian Red Cross. MRCS also works with other health and humanitarian partners, including WHO and United Nations agencies.

Activities are currently focused on selected areas based on identified needs. In the longer term, MRCS aims to expand health promotion and community resilience activities across the country.

Primary Health Care

MRCS places strong emphasis on primary health care. It helps communities access essential health services, health information and appropriate referrals.

Through community-based approaches, MRCS brings health services closer to people, especially vulnerable communities and those who face barriers to accessing health facilities.

Primary health care activities may include:

• Health promotion and education
• Disease prevention and early identification of health risks
• Basic health services and referrals
• Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA)
• Maternal, newborn and child health
• Reproductive health
• Support for healthy behaviours and community resilience

Community-Based Health and First Aid

Through Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA), MRCS works with communities and Red Cross volunteers to improve knowledge and practical skills in health promotion, disease prevention and first aid.

This approach helps communities identify common health risks, take preventive action, respond to health emergencies and connect people with available health services.

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

MRCS supports communities to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases through health education, awareness activities and community-based interventions.

These activities help individuals, families and communities understand health risks and adopt safer and healthier practices.

Maternal, Newborn, Child and Reproductive Health

MRCS includes maternal, newborn and child health and reproductive health in relevant community-based programmes.

Activities focus on increasing awareness, promoting healthy practices, recognizing health concerns early and helping people access appropriate health services in a timely manner.

Mobile Health Services

MRCS operates mobile medical clinics to bring primary health services closer to communities where access to health facilities is limited or disrupted.

Depending on local needs and the operating context, mobile services may provide basic consultations, health promotion, disease prevention, referrals and other appropriate health support.

Health in Emergencies

MRCS includes health in its humanitarian preparedness and emergency response.

During disasters, conflict and other emergencies, MRCS may provide or support primary health care, first aid, mobile health services, referrals, disease prevention, water and sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. Services are provided according to assessed needs and operational capacity.

Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD)

MRCS Branches support voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation through community-based donor recruitment and retention activities.

Branches work with local communities, volunteers, youth groups, universities and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of regular blood donation and encourage new donors to become regular voluntary donors.

MRCS also maintains relationships with existing donors through appreciation, follow-up, recognition and continued engagement. These efforts help build a sustainable donor base and support a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need.

Branches also maintain local donor networks and provide support during emergencies that require blood. This helps connect voluntary blood donors with patients who need blood urgently.

Rehabilitation and Other Health Services

MRCS provides additional health and care services. These include physical rehabilitation and prosthetic services through the Hpa-an Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre (HORC), ambulance services, voluntary non-remunerated blood donor recruitment and retention, and mobile rehabilitation services.

Located in Hpa-an, Kayin State, HORC is operated by MRCS with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

HORC serves 45 townships across Kayin, Kayah and Mon States, Tanintharyi Region and eastern Bago Region. Through centre-based and mobile services, HORC provides rehabilitation and assistive devices to support people with physical disabilities and promote independence and inclusion in their communities.

Building Healthier and More Resilient Communities

MRCS recognizes that good health is closely linked to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, mental well-being, disaster preparedness, first aid and community resilience.

By bringing these areas together, MRCS helps individuals and communities prevent illness, respond to health risks and maintain their well-being during normal times and emergencies.

Through primary health care, health promotion and community-based action, MRCS works with communities to build healthier, safer and more resilient lives.

Contact

For more information about MRCS Health Care activities, please contact:

Htay Myo Aung
Program Manager, Health Department
Myanmar Red Cross Society

Email: htaymyoaung@redcross.org.mm