Cynthia Maung

Cynthia Maung (born 6 December 1959) is a Karen physician from Myanmar, who is recognized for her significant contributions to healthcare for refugees from Myanmar. She is the founder and director of the Mae Tao Clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand.

Early life and education

Cynthia Maung was born in Papun District, Karen State, Myanmar. She belongs to the Karen ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic minorities in Myanmar. She completed her medical studies at the Institute of Medicine, Rangoon in 1985.

Career

After the 8888 Uprising in 1988, Maung fled to Thailand and established the Mae Tao Clinic in Mae Sot. The clinic provides free healthcare for refugees, migrant workers, and other individuals who cross the border from Myanmar to Thailand.

The Mae Tao Clinic started as a one-room clinic in 1989, and has grown to a facility that annually serves an estimated 150,000 people. The clinic's services include child healthcare, maternal healthcare, emergency care, and disease prevention. It also provides training for healthcare workers and coordinates with other organizations for the provision of secondary and tertiary care.

Recognition

Cynthia Maung has received numerous awards for her work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 2002, the Sydney Peace Prize in 2013, and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2021.

See also

• Healthcare in Myanmar
• Healthcare in Thailand
• Karen people