Some of the deadliest disasters in the Asia Pacific Region in the last 5 years such as the Nepal Earthquake (2015), Myanmar Floods (2015), the Indonesia Earthquake in Sulawesi (2018), Kerala Floods in India (2018), etc. have resulted in extensive damage to housing and critical infrastructure exceeding economic cost of hundreds of millions in USD, consequently draining a significant proportion of a country’s/state GDP needed to rebuild the same.

The word ‘malnutrition’ tends to invoke images of starving children in refugee camps, fleeing conflict or drought in lands far-away. While that image does reflect a reality of hunger, it does not solely define malnutrition nor those who suffer from it.

Q1. Excellency, We would also like to know the depth of changes and pace of reforms you have noticed during your term in Myanmar.

Global Handwashing Day takes place on 15 October every year and is the Global Handwashing partnership’s and the worlds biggest platform for raising awareness about the importance of hand washing with soap as fundamental to good health and development.

I am disappointed when I see Myanmar people, young and old alike, are seen smoking or chewing a quid of betel. It compels me to write this article.