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Myanmar, 21 July 2020 - With the aim to provide a better quality of life to the local community near its operations on the southern coast of Myanmar, PTTEP Myanmar Asset undertook a health survey for people living near Zawtika Project in Kanbauk area, Yephyu Township, Tanintharyi Region in 2009.

PTTEP Myanmar Asset completed the research where the results revealed over 60 percent of children were infected with intestinal parasites which had a major impact to their growth rates. The main cause of intestinal parasites in this region ranged from unhygienic food, unsanitary outdoor latrines, a lack of clean water and an overall lack of general knowledge on cleanliness.

Armed with this information in 2010, PTTEP Myanmar Asset initiated the “Parasite-Free School Project” in four pilot schools targeting school children between KG to Grade 5 living near the Zawtika Project’s natural gas pipeline routes. The project is further supplemented by health check programs focusing on three main areas: general health, laboratory diagnosis and the treatment of parasites. The medical team made visits every 6 months to address the health issues based on criteria outlined by the World Healthcare Organization.

The first visit usually takes place in June of each year where the children are taught about personal healthcare regimes, proper use of toilets and the risks from intestinal parasites. At the same time the medical team collected stool samples from the children before administering appropriate treatments. The second visit is usually around December of each year where the medical teams will follow up on results as well as evaluate personal hygiene conditions. This service is provided to all school children free of charge.

Since its inception in 2010, the number of villages covered by this project has increased to 35 reaching over 5,000 students. Most importantly, the infection rates resulting from parasitic illnesses among the school children declined sharply from 41.5 percent in the first year (2010) to 7.8 percent in 2019.

PTTEP Myanmar Asset’s General Manager, Mr. Piya Sukhumpanumet said “As a long-term partner and investor in Myanmar for over 30 years, contributing to the local community is one of our corporate priorities. PTTEP Myanmar Asset is committed to initiatives that have a positive impact on the development of the country. Among them, the objective of implementing “Parasite-Free School” project is not only to nurture healthy children but to also improve the lives of these children whom will be the key players of the country.