Khun Maung Mya, a 38-year-old resident of Nam Yin Village, shares his home with his wife and two daughters. With a third-grade education, Khun Maung Mya works diligently to provide for his family, farming 10 acres of corn and rice and operating a tractor and tiller. Together, these efforts bring in an annual income of 7,500,000 MMK (approximately $3,575).
In December 2023, life took an unexpected turn when Khun Maung Mya began experiencing severe stomach pain and abdominal discomfort. Despite seeking various treatments—including traditional medicine, injections from a village medic, and visits to a local clinic—his condition worsened. Persistent pain, regurgitation, difficulty sleeping on his side, and occasional fainting spells led his wife to take him to Nan Pan Hospital in Nyaung Shwe. There, he underwent surgery for a gastric ulcer and an intestinal infection.
The journey to recovery, however, was far from smooth. After returning home, Khun Maung Mya faced complications, including dangerously low blood pressure, recurring stomach pain, and an infection near his stitches. He was readmitted to the hospital for 12 days, requiring extensive treatment.
To cover mounting medical expenses, Khun Maung Mya made significant sacrifices. He sold his tractor, two buffaloes, and a piece of land and borrowed 1.2 million MMK ($273) from relatives at a 3% interest rate. The financial burden, compounded by his ongoing health struggles, left him feeling hopeless and unwilling to continue treatment.
“When I returned from the hospital the first time, my stomach pain persisted, and there was fluid leaking from my stomach,” Khun Maung Mya recounted. “I couldn’t walk independently, which was humiliating as I had to depend on others. It was especially hard because we had already spent so much money. I didn’t want to keep burdening my wife, who was doing everything she could to take care of me. Given all this, I started to think, ‘If I die, then so be it.’ I had simply lost the will to continue.”
Amid this despair, a member of the Village Health Committee stepped in. This woman, who had transitioned from a Village Health Educator to a health committee member, visited him daily with words of encouragement.
She urged him, saying by telling him if he doesn’t visit the hospital, his life may be at stake. His family and the villagers won’t be able to assist. Returning to the clinic was the optimal choice. She urged him, “It’s essential to continue your treatment and take your medication regularly. Careful adherence to the doctor’s recommendations is vital. Material possessions can be regained as long as you are alive. If you go to the hospital and receive the necessary treatment, you will succeed better.”
Her persistence reignited hope in Khun Maung Mya, restoring his confidence and peace of mind. Reflecting on her words, he realized: “If I can stand on my own again, my family’s life will improve as well. I’ll focus on getting better without feeling hopeless.”
With renewed determination, he committed to his recovery. Today, Khun Maung Mya attends regular medical appointments, adheres to his prescribed medication regimen, and follows his doctor’s recommendations. His health is steadily improving, allowing him to engage in light activities. Though he is taking a year-long break from work to prioritize his recovery, his wife has been able to resume work, providing the family with a renewed source of income.
This story highlights the transformative power of empowerment and community support. The encouragement of a woman who rose to leadership within the Village Health Committee not only saved a life but also safeguarded the well-being of an entire family. Her advocacy underscores the vital role empowered individuals play in fostering informed decisions, life-saving interventions, and resilient communities.
