China Red Cross offers humanitarian aid to Myanmar people

KUNMING - The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has completed a first round of aid to displaced Myanmar people, marking progress for China's philanthropic organizations in supporting international humanitarian causes.

Humanitarian aid worth five million yuan ($817,100) was transported to northern Myanmar from Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar, as part of a project that started February 21.

The relief goods, including rice, cooking oil, salt and quilts, will be distributed to 10,000 families displaced in more than 100 relocation sites.

"This is the first time the organization has given aid to neighboring countries embroiled in conflict," said Hao Linna, deputy head of the RCSC.

Hao said it will not be a one-time project. The RCSC will discuss possibilities to provide further humanitarian assistance to Myanmar people after settling on the most effective forms of aid with its counterpart in Myanmar.

Sun Shuopeng, head of the RCSC project, said he felt a sense of accomplishment when he saw the relief goods light up the faces of displaced people.

The project staff also investigated the medical services and public hygiene situation in relocation sites to prepare for the second round of aid.

The family of Meiya (pronunciation) moved to a relocation site about a 20 minutes' drive to the city of Laza in 2011. There, her family of seven squeezed into a makeshift shelter of less than 10 square meters.

She told staff from the RCSC that personal hygiene has become a problem as summer draws nearer. There are no drugs or mosquito repellent to prevent her five children from being infected with malaria.

Pharmacists have been sent to the site, but people are in urgent need of doctors, she said.

She added that it's a long walk for her fellow displaced people to get clean water everyday.

"The Red Cross societies of both countries will discuss ways to improve displaced people's lives through community programs," said Sun, after visiting several relocation sites.

U Hla Pe, secretary of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, said the two countries' Red Cross societies represent "a humanitarian spirit that goes beyond national boundaries and politics."

He said the RCSC and other international organizations have previously offered humanitarian aid to the Myanmar people in times of natural disaster.

He expressed gratitude for the help the Chinese people have offered on behalf of the Myanmar Red Cross Society and said he hoped both societies will strengthen cooperation and exchanges.