Myanmar’s COVID-19 vaccination program has encountered setbacks as a result of a shortage of health workers due to the Civil Disobedience Movement.

The movement was launched on February 2 by assistant physicians against the Tatmadaw’s (military) forced transfer of power and the one-year state of emergency imposed by the military government.

The movement has received widespread support and has been joined by over 100 hospitals and their respective staff, as well as many other institutions, across the country.

Deputy director general at Yangon’s Region Public Health Department said health staff participating in the movement has impeded the country’s vaccination program.

“Vaccination has only been carried out in some places. It hasn’t been done in other places as the health workers have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement,” said U Tun Myint.

“Controlling COVID-19 is still an important matter despite current circumstances. All health workers are tired and the people are worried too but the (pandemic) situation has calmed down significantly following the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines. We are still carrying out the inoculation program,” he said. - Translated