18 A NATION LEFT BEHIND for additional coordination mechanisms to be the government’s coronavirus response thus far. instated at the state/regional level that could Of note is that the first four EAOs listed below collaborate with ethnic health organizations are signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire and that would have state/regional government Agreement (NCA) with the government and health department representatives present. military. This status has not translated to state 56 The call for state coordination mechanisms support for combating the pandemic nor has it to be created and integrated into Myanmar’s stopped clashes from occurring in their territory COVID-19 response is also likely due to ongoing during the crisis. The following organizations – interference by state governments – and and the EHC – have unequivocally called for the Myanmar military – in EAOs’ COVID-19 a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire by the prevention included Myanmar military in order to focus on fighting opposition to travel restrictions put into place COVID-19, a demand which is further outlined by the EAO authorities to control the spread in the following sections of this paper. However, of the coronavirus and the forced closure of it does not appear that the military is willing health checkpoints. These disruptions are to accept the contributions of ethnic social carried out even though the EAOs’ initiatives or political structures in these conflict areas, are in line with the health orders issued by even in the context of fighting a pandemic, and the MoHS; recognition and support would, has continued to obstruct ethnic healthcare after all, be a concession toward the sharing of implementation. On 6 May in Karen State’s administrative power, a critical feature of the Mutraw District – more than one week after federal democratic system long demanded by the government had committed to working ethnic nationalities. with EAOs’ on public health activities around activities. This has The following list is by no means exhaustive, the pandemic – the Myanmar military burned but it provides an overview as to EAO efforts in down57 two COVID-19 screening posts set up areas of Myanmar systematically excluded from by the Karen National Union (KNU). Chin National Front (CNF) The CNF is keeping records of travel in “The government doesn’t provide medical staff, and out of their territory in Chin State and medicine or medical equipment to us. I think restricting their own troops’ movements, the government’s healthcare is really weak,” the including carrying out self-isolation in their CNF’s Joint General Secretary (2) Salai Htet Ni bases. They said that they have not received told ethnic Chin media in April.58 any government assistance in their efforts. 56 Network Media Group. “State-Level Coordination Needed for Govt, EAO Cooperation in Fighting COVID-19.” 9 May 2020. Available at: http://www.nmg-news.com/2020/05/08/10736 57 Karen News. “Burma Army Burns KNU COVID-19 Screening Posts, Pandemic Causes Peace Process Further Fractures.” 8 May 2020. Available at: http://karennews.org/2020/05/burma-army-burns-knu-covid-19-screening-postspandemic-causes-peace-process-further-fractures/ 58 Khonumthung News. “CNF: Healthcare, Media Freedom ‘Weak’ Under NLD Govt.” 15 April 2020. Available at: https://english.khonumthung.org/cnf-healthcare-media-freedom-weak-under-nld-govt/