The Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) has set up a project coordinator's office in Thantlang town Chin state. Recently, Merlin advertised a vacancy for the post of a project health coordinator to implement the project which will focus mainly on malaria.

Merlin will help Chin people who are suffering from malaria and other health related problems along with those facing problems because of natural disasters.

"We have to watch if the new health agency (Merlin) will work effectively for the people in the border areas," said local from Thantlang town.

In Chin state, UNDP and UNICEF also function in health, education, agricultural sector and breeding of domestic animals. But they can run their projects in limited areas allowed by the military authorities for reasons of safety. Most UNDP and UNICEF projects are operational in the towns and the villages near the towns in Chin state.

Chin Backpack, Chin Health Programme and other health related organizations outside Burma also impart health education and medical assistance in the region out of reach of the UNDP and UNICEF.

Merlin in 'Relief web' stated that a few international NGOs operate in Chin State where the Ministry of Health's support to health infrastructure in remote areas is limited.

Merlin set up in 1993, operates worldwide and deals in vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught in natural disasters, conflicts, diseases and health system collapse.

Merlin provides medical relief and health care services to more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries worldwide. – KNG.