Myanmar Research Articles

Corrigendum to The politics of prison air: breath, smell, and wind in Myanmar prisons

Corrigendum to The politics of prison air: breath, smell, and wind in Myanmar prisons

Association between biological sex and insecticide-treated net use among household members in ethnic minority and internally displaced populations in eastern Myanmar.

Malaria prevalence in Myanmar is highest among remote and ethnic minority populations living near forest fringes along the country's international borders. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a key intervention used to prevent malaria transmission, but insufficient ITN availability and low use can hinder effectiveness. This study assessed age and sex disparities in ITN possession, access, and use among household members of ethnic minority and internally displaced populations in eastern Myanmar. Cross-sectional data from the 2013 Eastern Burma Retrospective Mortality Survey were used to describe prevalence of ITN possession, access, and use. The association between a household member's biological sex and their ITN use was assessed using multilevel log binomial regression. Age and household ITN supply were tested as potential effect modifiers. Of 37927 household members, 89.8% (95% CI: 89.5, 90.1) of people lived in households with at least one ITN. Approximately half belonged to households with sufficient ITN supply and used an ITN. Pregnant women and children under five had the highest proportion of ITN use regardless of sufficient household ITN status. Female adults aged 15 to 49 years old (Risk ratio or RR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.52) were more likely to use ITNs. This relationship did not differ by sufficient household ITN status. The findings suggest that among ethnic minority populations in areas where ITN use is indicated, many households do not have adequate ITN supply, and many individuals are not using ITNs. Children under five and pregnant women appear to be prioritized for ITN use and overall, women are slightly more likely to use ITNs than men. This study's findings can support efforts ensuring that all household members belonging to ethnic minority and displaced populations in Eastern Myanmar benefit from sufficient ITN access and use for malaria prevention.

A Study on the Use of Discourse Markers according to the Level of Burden of Subject in Interview Discourse: Focus on Myanmar Korean Learners and Korean Native Speakers

A Study on the Use of Discourse Markers according to the Level of Burden of Subject in Interview Discourse: Focus on Myanmar Korean Learners and Korean Native Speakers

Political restructuring, bureaucratization and minority groups in Myanmar: The case of Rohingya from 2011 to 2018

Abstract Politics of ethnicity can have serious repercussions if balance of interests is not maintained and this can lead to internal destabilization of states. This is the case in Myanmar, a situation which has brought suffering and deaths of thousands; effectively raising concerns and opprobrium against the government of Myanmar. Minority groups in Myanmar are greatly oppressed, though recent proceedings have seen the democratically elected government trying to avert the situation, while facing great restraints from the military which has been in control of the government for decades. The transformation process to uphold minority rights is marred with controversy as the Rohingya systematic alienation has persisted even in the new political dispensation. Discriminatory, cumbrous bureaucratic tendencies, are constantly used to control and manipulate the Rohingya to force them out of the country, a system which is ultimately backed by state sponsored violence. This research therefore, seeks to critically examine how the bureaucratic systems in Myanmar has been weaponized to systematically suppress rights of the Rohingya. Most research has focused on the butchering and series of violence against the Rohingya but this is generally a condensed and comprehensive analysis of the direct contribution of the bureaucrats as the implementers of public policy. This research concludes that, the doctrine of sovereignty has largely remained the salvation harboring and facilitating the continuity of repressive regimes despite the existence of the doctrine of limited sovereignty. Most importantly, the Rohingyian ordeal hints on the failures of the United Nations as actions of member states are conditioned by their selfish interests and states would only act where their national interest lie. There is need to create a global authority with executive legislative, judiciary, military and constitutional authority to exert authority over governments.

First records of Hypsugo joffrei (Thomas, 1915) and the revision of Philetor brachypterus (Temminck, 1840) specimens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Indian Subcontinent

The Joffre's pipistrelle Hypsugo joffrei is a rare and very little known vespertilionid bat previously thought to be confined to Myanmar and Vietnam in Southeast Asia. Based on recently collected material and reassessment of museum specimens, this species is being reported for the first time from India and Nepal which also significantly extends its westward geographic range beyond Myanmar. We also critically compare the type specimen of another poorly known congener from Myanmar, H. anthonyi with the present material and propose to recognize the name H. anthonyi as the junior subjective synonym of H. joffrei. Specimens previously identified as Philetor brachypterus from South Asia were found to represent H. joffrei, as well. Consequently, the distribution range of Philetor is restricted to the Sundaic zoogeographical subregion, the Philippines, New Guinea and Bismarck Is., and the species should be omitted from the bat checklists of India and Nepal.

Historical Background and Trend of Indian Migrants in Myanmar

Historical Background and Trend of Indian Migrants in Myanmar

From elimination to post-elimination: Characteristics, challenges and re-transmission preventing strategy of imported malaria in China

Objective To analyze malaria epidemiological characteristics in China, 2010-2019, so as to provide evidence-based proof for target interventions on malaria elimination. Methods The data of web-based Infectious Disease Information Reporting Management System (IDIRMS) and Parasitic Diseases Information Reporting Management System (PDIRMS) from 2010 to 2019 were collected and analyzed. Results During 2010-2019, imported malaria cases were reported in all provinces, and in total 29 248 reported cases(2 925 cases annually), including 767 clinically diagnosed cases (2.62%), 7 388 Plasmodium vivax cases (25.26%), 18 032 P. falciparum cases (61.65%), 524 P. malariae cases (1.79%), 2 049 P. ovale cases (7.01%), 370 mixed-infection (1.27%), 2 P. knowlesi (0.01%), and 116 unclassified cases (0.40%). The imported malaria cases were mainly from Myanmar (2 750 cases, 9.40%), Ghana (2 606, 8.91%) and Nigeria (2 127, 7.27%); and most of them were reported in Yunnan (5 794, 19.81%), Guangxi (3 130, 10.70%) and Jiangsu (2 917, 9.97%). The temporal distribution was concentrated in June (4 141, 14.16%). Most cases (27 454, 93.87%) were found in male. A total of 181 deaths resulting from P. falciparum were reported. No obvious difference was found among interval from onset to diagnosis during the same timeframe ( P >0.05). From 2013 to 2019, the imported cases were mainly diagnosed (8 680, 39.75%) and reported (8 783, 40.22%) at county level. The proportion of diagnosis and report at county level exhibit an decreasing trend, while the municipal level was seen with a increasing trend. From 2013 to 2019, the imported cases were diagnosed (15 730, 72.03%) and reported (16 536, 75.72%) by medical institutions. The proportion of diagnosis and report by medical institutions exhibit an increasing trend, while the CDC institutions were observed with a decreasing trend. Conclusion To prevent the re-establishment caused by imported malaria, it is necessary to continue to strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration and surveillance, to carry out timely detection and appropriately treatment of imported cases, carefully investigate and assess the transmission risk of imported cases, and timely response to the risk foci or population. Furthermore, it is essential to conduct “strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration, timely case detection, promptly foci response” to effectively blocking the risk of re-establishment, and consolidating the achievements of malaria elimination. 摘要:目的 分析 2010—2019 年全国输人性疟疾疫情特征, 为各地消除疟疾后防止输人再传播工作提供依据。 方法 利用中国疾病预防控制中心疾病监测信息报告管理系统 (网络直报系统) 和寄生虫病监测信息报告管理系统 (寄生虫病专报系统), 收集 2010—2019 年全国输人性疟疾疫情数据资料, 建立数据库进行统计分析。 结果 2010—2019 年, 全国各省均有输人性疟疾病例分布, 共报告 29 248 例(年均 2 925 例), 其中临床诊断疟疾病例 767 例 (2.62%)、 间日疟 7 388 例 (25.26%)、恶性疟 18 032 例 (61.65%)、三日疟 524 例 (1.79%)、卵形疟 2 049 例 (7.01%)、诺氏疟 2 例 (0.01%)、混合感染 370 例 (1.27%) 和未分型病例 116 例 (0.40%)。病例主要输自缅甸 (2 750 例, 9.40%)、加纳 (2 606 例, 8.91%) 和尼日利亚 (2 127 例, 7.27%) 等国；主要分布在云南 (5 794 例, 19.81%)、广西 (3 130 例, 10.70%)和江苏 (2 917 例, 9.97%)等省份。病例主要在 6 月 (4 141 例, 14.16%) 报告。人群分布中以男性为主 (27 454 例, 93.87%)。死亡病例 181 例, 均为恶性疟。2010—2019 年病例发病到诊断时间间隔各年差异无统计学意义 ( P >0.05)。病例主要在县级机构 诊断 (8 680 例, 39.75%) 和报告 (8 783 例, 40.22%), 但呈逐年下降趋势, 地市级机构呈现明显上升趋势;主要在临床医疗 机构诊断 (15 730 例, 72.03%) 和报告 (16 536 例, 75.72%), 且逐年上升, 疾控机构比例在逐年下降。 结论 针对消除后 输人性疟疾的重大威胁, 应进一步加强部门间联防联控, 强化监测, 及时发现和规范治疗输人病例, 开展传播风险调査 和评估, 对风险疫点和重点人群进行及时响应和处置, 通过以“强化联防、及时发现、快速处置”为核心的综合性策略和 措施防止疟疾输人再传播, 巩固消除疟疾成果。

Union of Burma’s Diplomacy of Recognizing the People’s Republic of China

Union of Burma’s Diplomacy of Recognizing the People’s Republic of China

미얀마 불교의 출가제도와 승가교육

불교 승단의 원형을 비교적 잘 유지하고 있는 미얀마의 상좌부불교는 교학과 명상을 양대 축으로 하여 절정을 이루고 있다. 이러한 미얀마 불교의 한 축인승가교육에 대해 단계적으로 살펴보고자 한다. 먼저 사미승의 출가제도를 살펴본다. 미얀마에는 사미승(沙彌僧) 입문 단계에서 독특한 출가 문화인 ‘신쀼(Shin Pyu)’라는 단기출가 의식이 있다. 남자아이들은 일생에 한번쯤은 머리를 깎고 사찰에 들어가 1-6개월 정도 출가 승려 생활을 한다. 이때 본인의 의사에 따라 영구적으로 출가수행을 지속할 수도 있고 환계(還戒)하고 사회로 되돌아갈 수도 있다. 다음은 출가하여 영속승(永續僧)으로 수행하다가 20세가 되면 구족계를 받는다. 그리고 전국의 승려교육 기관에서 팔리어 삼장(三藏 : 경·율·론)을 깊이 있게 공부하고 시험을 본다. 시험에는 몇 가지가 있는데 그 가운데 3가지만 살펴본다. ①국가 팔리어 시험은 4단계가 있는데 마지막 단계에 합격한 스님을 Dhammācariya라고 한다. ②사설재단 팔리어 시험은 두 단계로 되어 있다. 이시험에 최종 합격한 스님을 Bhivaṃsa라고 한다. ③三藏法師 시험은 지금까지 14명이 합격했을 정도로 최고 단계의 시험으로 이들을 삼장법사라고 부른다. 마지막으로 여성 출가자를 살펴본다. 미얀마에는 8(10)계를 지키며 수행하는 띨라신(Thila - shin)이라는 여성 수행자가 있다. 띨라신들은 국가 팔리어 시험의 마지막 4번째 단계인 Dhammācariya 시험에 합격하여 활동할 수 있다. 최근에 많은 띨라신들이 이 시험에 합격하고 활발한 교화 활동을 하고 있다. 지금까지 살펴보았듯이 최고 단계의 Dhammācariya, Bhivaṃsa, 삼장호지(三藏護持, Tipiṭakadhara) 시험에 합격한 지도자 스님들의 가르침으로 교육되고 있는 미얀마 승가교육의 앞날은 매우 밝아 보인다.

New faunistic record of two species of genus Calvia (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellini) from India and Myanmar

Calvia sichuanica Kovář (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellini) is reported for the first time from India and Myanmar, previously known only from China. Also, Calvia explanata Poorani, from Sikkim and Darjeeling, is newly reported from Manipur, state of India.

COVID-19 in Myanmar: Spread, actions and opportunities for peace and stability.

COVID-19 in Myanmar: Spread, actions and opportunities for peace and stability.

The Forgotten Chindits – 23 British Infantry Brigade

In March 1944 Japan launched its Operation U Go offensive which resulted in the well documented battles of Kohima and Imphal in north east India. At the same time 23 British Infantry Brigade was finalising Long Range Penetration training before participation in Operation Thursday, the second Chindit campaign that was already underway in north eastern Burma. That plan was changed, and the brigade was diverted to operate in the mountainous Naga Hills to protect the eastern flank of Kohima and disrupt Japanese supply lines from Burma. Much has been written about Burma, Kohima, Imphal and the two Chindit operations, but surprisingly little on the activities of 23 British Infantry Brigade in 1944. This article seeks to redress some of that imbalance by considering: how the brigade prepared for the Long Range Penetration role; how it operated in the Naga Hills; how those operations differed to Operation Thursday; and finally, if this was an effective use of the brigade.

The Other Ladies of Myanmar, by Jennifer Rigby

The Other Ladies of Myanmar, by Jennifer Rigby

Malapportionment in Myanmar’s Elections: A Slumbering Menace

Malapportionment in Myanmar’s Elections: A Slumbering Menace

The Aid to Myanmar, Excercising Power of Indonesia Under Jokowi’s Leadership

Semenjak Jokowi mengambil tanggung jawab sebagai presiden Indonesia, Indonesia menjadi negara yang menarik perhatian dunia internasional, dari kebijakan dalam sekaligus luar negerinya yang berinisiatif menjadikan Indonesia poros poros maritim dunia, sampai kepada partisipasinya dalam isu-isu internasional. Salah satu kasus internasional yang sedang menjadi viral adalah kasus Rohingnya, yang menarik perhatian berbagai negara, khususnya negara-negara Asia. Indonesia menjadi salah satu negara yang menjadi sasaran dari pengungsi-pengungsi Rohingnya. Oleh karena itu, Indonesia, di bawah kepemimpinan Jokowi, meminta Myanmar untuk menyelesaikan masalah kemanusiaan dengan Rohingnya. Tidak hanya selesai di situ, Indonesia juga berinisiatif untuk memberikan bantuan. Hal inilah yang menarik perhatian dari penelitian ini, karena dalam memberikan bantuan kemanusiaanya ini, secara tidak langsung Indonesia juga sedang melaksanakan kekuatan negaranya sebagai “Middle Power Countries”. Tujuan dari karya tulis adalah untuk memberikan penjelasan bagaimana dari bantuan ini, Indonesia sebagai negara Middle Power mendapat akses dan dapat mengerahkan dampaknya terhadap negara Myanmar, bahkan sampai pengelolaan kebijakan negara Myanmar.

Report on the 5th ME Salon - Donating Wells to Myanmar - Enriching Charity Experiences

Report on the 5th ME Salon - Donating Wells to Myanmar - Enriching Charity Experiences

Pinalia taunggyiensis (Orchidaceae), a New Species from Myanmar

A new species of Pinalia, P. taunggyiensis, is described and illustrated based on a single collection from Myanmar.

The long-lost Myanmar endemic Arundina subsessilis (Orchidaceae) found congeneric with the recently described Chinese Thuniopsis cleistogama

The long-lost Myanmar endemic Arundina subsessilis (Orchidaceae) found congeneric with the recently described Chinese Thuniopsis cleistogama

Travelling Across Borders: Temporality, Trauma, and Memory in Amitav Ghosh’s Dancing in Cambodia and At Large in Burma

Travelling Across Borders: Temporality, Trauma, and Memory in Amitav Ghosh’s Dancing in Cambodia and At Large in Burma

Chemical constituents and cytotoxic activities of Cissus javana from Myanmar

Chemical constituents and cytotoxic activities of Cissus javana from Myanmar