By: Maddy Langemach, Disaster Response Manager
One of the greatest privileges in disaster response is walking alongside local partners — those who know their communities best. They were there before the disaster, and they’ll be there long after the world’s attention fades. Heart to Heart International (HHI) often has the opportunity to highlight these partners and the incredible work they do. But Myanmar is different.
In 2021, after years of growing unrest, the country underwent a military coup. Since then, Myanmar has faced political upheaval, waves of protest, violent crackdowns, shifting territorial control, and an escalating humanitarian and economic crisis.
Then, on March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the region — a devastating blow in an already fragile setting. More than 3,700 lives were lost. Over 2 million people are in urgent need of assistance. Nearly 640 health facilities were damaged. (UN OCHA Report 18Apr2025) HHI deployed a rapid assessment team to evaluate urgent needs, connect with trusted partners, and begin mapping out safe and reliable supply routes.
Here’s a photo from one of those meetings:
You might notice what’s missing — the partner.
In Myanmar, many of our local partners ask not to be named or photographed. Visibility can bring risk. When operating in a highly complex and fractured political landscape, bringing in aid or simply being seen delivering assistance can mean needing special permission from armed groups, risking arrest, or having their aid blocked or diverted. Even their staff can be targeted — threatened with passport revocations, detention, or worse.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you who they are or exactly where in Myanmar they’re working. I can tell you this: their courage is unwavering. With nearly three decades of dedication to delivering healthcare in the toughest of circumstances, they are even more committed to their work now. Listening to their stories, huddled together in a noisy coffee shop, was profoundly humbling. Their deep knowledge of the local context — and the relationships they’ve built over decades — are what make a response this complex even possible.
You can help support our response and the work of these extraordinary local teams by donating to HHI today. Your support helps us stand with them, as they continue doing what they’ve always done: showing up for their community.
Maddy Langemach, Disaster Response Manager