Myanmar Faces Kidney Selling Crisis as Poverty Soars

Escalating Poverty Fuels Organ Trade in Myanmar

As Myanmar’s military regime persists, the country grapples with a staggering economic decline. Nearly half of its 54 million population live below the poverty line. This dire situation has driven individuals such as Maung Maung and April to sell their kidneys via platforms like Facebook. These sales are orchestrated by agents who facilitate the illegal transactions, leading desperate sellers to India for surgeries, despite the risks involved.

Desperate Measures in a Broken System

In an investigation by CNN, stories emerge of families torn apart by poverty. Sellers often claim they have no option but to offer a kidney for financial help. Maung Maung recalls selling his kidney for nearly double the annual urban household income, showcasing the extremes people will go to in order to survive.

• Organ sales in Myanmar are illegal, yet the crisis has shifted many into this underbelly industry.
• Health repercussions from kidney sales are severe, with potential life-altering consequences.
• Social media platforms are inadvertently facilitating this trade.

The Cycle of Desperation

Once these individuals sell their kidneys, they often struggle with the aftermath. While they may receive substantial sums in the short term, the long-term effects on their health and financial stability can lead them back to square one. Doctors emphasize that the fallout from these decisions extends beyond physical health, impacting mental well-being significantly.