By Dr Than Lwin Tun, Ministry of Health
According to one of the objectives of the Social Affairs of State Administration Council (SAC), “To elevate the Health and Sports sectors inclusive of all the people, improving the longevity and health of the nation”, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Myanmar, laid down the two objectives, to enable every citizen to attain total life expectancy and enjoy longevity of life, and to ensure that every citizen is free from diseases.
The opening ceremony of the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and the Medical Training Centre (Nay Pyi Taw) was organized in Naypyitaw on 13 June 2024. The event was attended by State Administration Council Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe on behalf of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, SAC members, Union Ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, departmental officials, rectors and professors, Central-level medical superintendents, medical experts, the Ambassadors from the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of China, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Charge d’ Affairs from Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, representatives from Embassy from India and ASEAN countries, officials of China and Yunnan CDC, and invitees.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Administration Council Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, on behalf of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, mentioned that “the world countries faced natural disasters and pandemics, and Myanmar also encountered the COVID-19 pandemic that started in December 2019 and Cyclone Mocha in May 2023”. He also highlighted the need to prepare for zoonotic diseases, including new diseases and existing diseases, to enhance the capacity of health workers to conduct preventive measures and responses and to apply modern techniques. He continued that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention were established in the world countries. In Myanmar, the Chinese government assisted in establishing the Centre for Conducting international-standard disease control, research and human resources development activities as a symbol of bilateral relations.
The Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre project was undertaken using 330 million yuan in Nay Pyi Taw. The establishment of this Centre can upgrade the health standard of the country, keep abreast with other countries, and implement international health regulations and global health security more effectively. He then talked about the benefits of the China-aided CDC and medical training centre, including the application of GIS and GPS as central public health emergency response unit based on that CDC and medical training centre, research on food security, nutrition, occupational and environmental health and development activities. He continued that this centre is accompanied by medical training so that qualified human resources can be produced.
The officials of the Ministry of Health made observation trips to the Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to be able to establish this centre that includes biosafety level 1, 2 and 3 laboratories, international standard laboratories, disease prevention and control systems, and a facility that can accommodate about 200 trainees, while another one training hall that can accommodate 200 trainees, one training hall that has capacity for 100 trainees and four halls for 50 trainees each. Moreover, 35 lab experts were also sent to Jiangsu CDC for six months for theoretical and practical sessions. Practical sessions will also be held with Chinese experts after the opening of this centre. The centre will showcase historical records of Myanmar’s health sector for the health workers, people and students so as to know historical evidence. Then, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its people, officials of the China Communications Construction Company – Third Harbour Engineering Co Ltd, experts of Jiangsu CDC and officials of the Ministry of Health for their support and assistance in establishing this centre on behalf of the government and the people.”
Chinese Ambassador Mr Chen Hai clarified this Centre and played a video clip of the centre. The Chinese ambassador handed over the documents for the Centre to the Union Minister, and the latter gave a certificate of gratitude and appreciation in return. The construction of this Centre started in 2021 as a symbol of Myanmar-China friendship. It was completed in May 2024 and inaugurated on 13 June 2024.
Establishing the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and the Medical Training Centre (Nay Pyi Taw) represents a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare development. This institution will play a crucial role in enhancing Myanmar’s capacity to manage and prevent diseases, milestones of public health success (Public Health Museum), improve public health infrastructure, and also provide advanced medical training.
This Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is designed to accomplish several critical functions within the public health domain; Disease Surveillance and Monitoring, Outbreak response and preparedness, Public Health Research, Training and Capacity building.
The support of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to this Centre has been essential in strengthening Myanmar’s public health infrastructure and capacity to manage infectious diseases. This support is to enhance health cooperation with Myanmar and its neighbors and contribute to regional health security. The PRC has provided specialized training for Myanmar’s healthcare professionals. These programmes focus on disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory techniques, and public health management. The Chinese public health experts have visited Myanmar to share their knowledge and expertise. These exchanges help in building local capacity and fostering collaboration between the two countries’ health sectors.
The Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is composed to be the backbone of the country’s efforts to combat infectious diseases and respond to public health emergencies. It will enable better surveillance, research, and response mechanisms, ensuring that outbreaks are quickly identified and contained. This Centre’s establishment reflects a commitment to strengthening the nation’s health security and protecting its population from health threats.
This Centre will be instrumental in building a skilled healthcare workforce. By offering specialized training and continuous professional development, this centre will help bridge the gap in healthcare expertise and ensure that medical professionals are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques. This will not only improve patient care but also contribute to the overall advancement of the healthcare system in Myanmar.
Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre will foster a more robust public health infrastructure, capable of addressing both current and future health challenges. It symbolizes a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and education. The investment in these facilities demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes the well-being of Myanmar’s citizens and puts the groundwork for a healthier future.
In addition, the establishment of the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is a creditable initiative that will significantly enhance the country’s public health landscape.
