A United Nations development official has warned that military-ruled Burma could experience a humanitarian crisis if it does not do more to stop the spread of disease and overcome poverty.
Speaking at a news conference in New York Tuesday, the U.N. Development Program coordinator for Burma, Charles Petrie, said the government needs to do more to address the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
He also noted that as the U.N. sees an increase in internal migration in Burma, and fragmentation of communities and families, it is becoming more difficult to address issues of disease and poverty.
Petrie said a large percentage of the Burmese population is having an increasingly difficult time making a living.
