On March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation across multiple regions. Healthcare has been severely compromised, and communities are working to cope with the loss of life and infrastructure. Providing effective aid is extremely challenging in Myanmar due to the ongoing armed conflict and civil war that began as a result of the Myanmar military's coup. In February 2021, Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, staged a coup and overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). The military detained key political leaders, including Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and declared a state of emergency. The coup came shortly after the NLD's landslide victory in the general elections, which the military falsely claimed was marred by voter fraud. This action sparked widespread protests and civil disobedience across the country, leading to violent crackdowns by the military, which resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. The coup has severely destabilized Myanmar, plunging the country into a political and humanitarian crisis, with an ongoing civil war. Thus, it is important when donating to provide humanitarian relief in Myanmar to know who is receiving the funds and how it is being spent, as there is concern among many citizens in Myanmar that the military will utilize international financial support for their troops, rather than for citizens in need. In fact, the Tatmadaw has been carrying out continued bombing campaigns since the earthquake occurred.

In response to this tragedy, Open Channel Projects is working with one of our closest partner organizations, the Emergency Care Support Network (ECSN). ECSN has been providing essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations in Myanmar. In the wake of this disaster, they are now mobilizing emergency relief efforts to address the affected communities' immediate basic needs and healthcare needs. ECSN, run by an emergency medicine doctor from Myanmar, collaborates with local ethnic health organizations and deeply understands the local context and needs. Each recipient of our funds raised will be vetted by ECSN and reviewed by the Open Channel Projects team. However, their ability to respond swiftly and effectively is contingent upon resources, and that’s where we need your help.

We are asking for your urgent contribution. Your donation will directly fund the work that ECSN is carrying out on the ground, including:

- Supporting emergency relief to provide basic needs such as clean water, food, and shelter for those affected by the earthquake

- Support health clinics in earthquake-affected areas to deliver critical services

- Continuing their previous work of longitudinal efforts towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure to ensure long-term recovery for impacted communities

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy.

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If you want to become a sustaining donor to Open Channel Projects' general fund, please visit our donation page

This fundraiser is now closed, see report below 

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Thank you for your support,

Open Channel Projects