Category: capacity building

In a time of deep uncertainty and ongoing crisis across Myanmar, strengthening mental health support at the community level has never been more critical. Recognizing this need, we recently conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) training for 29 dedicated health workers serving in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. Over the course of the training, participants explored the emotional and psychological impact of conflict, displacement, and daily hardship — not only on the people they serve, but on themselves as frontline workers. Through interactive sessions, group reflections, and role-playing exercises, these 29 health workers learned how to identify signs of distress, offer immediate psychosocial support, and guide individuals toward safety, dignity, and hope. The training also focused on Psychological First Aid (PFA), community-based care approaches, and self-care practices to help prevent burnout among health staff. Many participants shared that this was the first time they had received any formal training in mental health, despite routinely encountering trauma and grief in their work. What stood out most was the compassion and resilience already present in each of these health workers. This training simply gave them the tools and confidence to channel that care in structured, supportive, and culturally appropriate ways. In a country where access to mental health services remains scarce, every trained health worker becomes a lifeline. We are proud to support these 29 individuals as they return to their communities equipped not just with new knowledge, but with renewed purpose — to listen, to comfort, and to heal. We thank all participants for their commitment, and we look forward to continuing this journey of community-based mental health support together.

The Burma Medical Association (BMA) celebrated the graduation of 46 medics who successfully completed their 12-month Medic Training and Trauma Management Training program in Mae Sot, Thailand, at the Thai-Myanmar border. These newly trained healthcare providers will now be deployed to serve in ethnic and community-based clinics along the border regions, bringing critical medical care to underserved communities. The graduation ceremony featured traditional performances, including a Don dance presented by the medic trainees. This comprehensive training program represents a significant investment in healthcare capacity building for border communities, where access to medical services remains limited. The graduates will play a vital role as frontline healthcare workers, equipped to handle emergency medical situations and provide essential healthcare services in their respective communities. The BMA continues its mission to improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations through professional training programs like this one, empowering local healthcare providers to address the unique challenges faced in border regions. Load More End of Content.

BMA’s Batch(4) Community Health Worker Training Successfully Graduates 50 Trainees The Community Health Worker (CHW) Batch (4) graduation ceremony organized by the Burma Medical Association (BMA) was successfully held today, April 26, in the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 7 controlled territory in Hpa-An District.  A total of 50 trainees successfully graduated from the program. The 6-month training, which ran from November 2024 to April 2025, included 28 female and 22 male trainees from seven KNU-controlled districts, Karenni State, and Pa-O regions who wished to study medicine. The graduation ceremony for the 4th batch of Community Health Workers, organized by BMA with support from BPHWT, KNLA Medical Department officials, and Mae Tao Clinic officials, included congratulatory speeches from attending dignitaries and musical performances by the trainees as part of the program. The ceremony continued with the presentation of graduation certificates to the trainees, awards for those who ranked between 1st and 10th place, gifts for the instructors, and concluded with thank-you speeches.

International Humanitarian Law Workshop for BMA Staff The Burma Medical Association recently conducted a training workshop focused on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for our staff members. Myanmar has experienced a severe escalation of violence and conflict, with military actions that violate both International Humanitarian Law and international human rights standards.  The workshop aimed to enhance our staff’s understanding of IHL principles and their application in the current Myanmar context. The training format included interactive games, group discussions, and collaborative learning sessions where all BMA members participated alongside the instructor. This educational program represents our commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and providing our team with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing healthcare workers in conflict situations.   Load More End of Content.

Integrated Management of Childhood illness IMCI Training At BMI, we are committed to advancing healthcare for newborns and children through comprehensive training in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy.  Our program focuses on three key objectives: Skill Enhancement for Health Workers: We provide rigorous training to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, empowering them to deliver effective care and treatment. System Strengthening: We work to strengthen healthcare systems, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the complexities of pediatric care with efficiency and precision. Promoting Family and Community Practices: By fostering supportive family and community practices, we aim to create a nurturing environment that enhances children’s health outcomes. Our overarching goal is to bolster the prevention and management of prevalent childhood illnesses, including during the critical newborn period. Through these efforts, we strive to support the healthy growth and development of every child, ensuring they thrive in their formative years. Join us in our mission to transform pediatric healthcare and build a brighter, healthier future for children worldwide.