By 2000, immunization is expected to cover 90 per cent of children under one. In regions like Kachin where health services are scarce, the programme relies on a centuries-old network of midwives to administer not just immunization but basic health care. These midwives receive training from facilitators coordinated by the Department of Health. Like midwives in other regions, they have also learned how to give routine checkups and treat the most prevalent ailments, including malaria, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections. Most of them handle children's health needs in 5 to 10 villages of up to 1,000 inhabitants each.
Immunizations are free of charge.
Recently, Myanmar's midwives helped administer the nation's first mass immunization campaign against polio, launched in February 1996 as part of the country's goal of eradicating polio. Despite the success, logistics for immunization in the state remain difficult. Though construction has begun on schools, hospitals, health centres, roads and bridges, many areas suffer a shortage of roads, public transport and even bicycles. Transporting vaccines is often a physical challenge for the hardiest midwife. In addition to passable roads, many areas lack enough electricity, battery-operated generators and other equipment to keep vaccines at the correct temperature during storage and transport.