In brief
A growing illegal organ trade in Myanmar is driven by poverty, as villagers like Zeya and Myo Win resort to selling their kidneys to settle debts and provide for their families. Despite the risks and legality concerns, these individuals share their stories of desperation and survival in the wake of the military coup.
In the heart of Myanmar, villagers are resorting to drastic measures, including selling their kidneys, to navigate the dire economic conditions that have befallen the country since the military coup in 2021. Zeya, a farm worker, describes his struggle with poverty and debt, saying, "I just wanted to own a house and pay off my debts - that's why I decided to sell my kidney." With skyrocketing prices exacerbating his situation, he was desperate to support his family while living in his mother-in-law's home, situated in a rural village a few hours from Yangon.Zeya's situation is not unique. He is among several locals who have turned to illegal organ brokers to sell their kidneys, crossing borders into India to undergo surgery. Despite the illegality of organ trading in both Myanmar and India, Zeya managed to connect with a broker who falsified documents to suggest a familial relationship with a recipient, enabling the transplant to go ahead.Others, like Myo Win, describe similar experiences of deception. He noted, “The broker gave me a piece of paper, and I had to memorise what was written on it,” highlighting the lengths to which brokers will go to facilitate these transactions. Feeling trapped by his financial obligations, Myo Win rationalized his choice, admitting, "I had already taken their money."Poverty in Myanmar has worsened since the coup, with the UN estimating that the proportion of people living in poverty has risen dramatically from a quarter of the population in 2017 to half by 2023. The country's civil unrest has crippled its economy, pushing individuals like Zeya and Myo Win to partake in the murky world of illegal organ trafficking.These troubling accounts have gained attention as illegal kidney sales are not just occurring in Myanmar but have been reported across Asia. The World Health Organization has warned about the rise of black market organ trade, which many individuals see as their last option amidst rising unemployment and healthcare costs.While both men report some level of financial relief after their operations, they also face ongoing health issues and an uncertain future. Myo Win stated, "I have no job and not even a penny left." Despite reflecting on their choices, neither expresses regret, though both caution others against following their path.As authorities grapple with the complexities of these transactions and the overarching issue of poverty, the stories of Zeya and Myo Win spotlight the urgent need for solutions to address the increasing desperation faced by countless individuals in Myanmar amidst a tumultuous socio-political landscape.
