Myanmar’s COVID‑19 Vaccine Mission – Even the Rohingya Get a Shot
In a move that has surprised both locals and outsiders alike, the military‑led government in Myanmar announced on Friday that it will vaccinate the Rohingya minority against the coronavirus. The plan promises that “no one will be left behind” in the country’s push to reach half its population by year’s end.
Where’s the Focus?
- Vaccines will be rolled out in the Maungdaw and Buthidaung districts, right along the Bangladesh border.
- Soldiers referred to the Rohingya as “Bengalis,” a term still in heavy use in Myanmar’s Buddhist‑majority regions.
- It’s still unclear if the campaign will extend to the crowded camps in Rakhine, where many Rohingya have lived since the 2017 operations.
Numbers to Keep an Eye On
Myanmar logged 2,635 new COVID cases and 113 additional deaths on Thursday, down from last month’s peak. The military says progress is being made in both infection control and vaccination roll‑outs.
Why It Matters
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh during the 2017 military actions, and those still in Myanmar complain about discrimination. International groups argue that stateless Rohingya should have citizenship rather than be branded as illegal immigrants.
Statements From the Front Lines
“They are our people as well,” said Zaw Min Tun, the army’s spokesperson, at a routine press briefing. “We will not leave anyone behind.”
What’s Next?
- Will rights groups get a say on how the vaccine distribution will work for those in Rakhine camps?
- How fast can the military get everyone vaccinated, especially in hard‑to‑reach areas?
With the military chief now also serving as prime minister, the situation is under tight control. But whether this plan truly reflects Myanmar’s commitment to all its residents remains an open question.
