Myanmar"s poorest sell kidneys on social media amid military coup

In late 2022, Maung Maung, a delivery driver from Mandalay, Myanmar, faced dire circumstances after being detained and tortured by the military junta. His family struggled to survive, with his wife taking loans to support their young daughter. In July 2023, he made the difficult decision to sell his kidney to afford food for his family, traveling to India for the transplant. This decision reflects the extreme desperation faced by many in Myanmar amid ongoing conflict and economic hardship. April, another individual affected by the crisis, moved to Yangon at 18 to work in a garment factory, abandoning her nursing dreams. She also faced hunger and financial struggles, leading her to sell her kidney for 12 million kyat ($3,700). Both individuals resorted to this drastic measure due to the lack of viable options for survival in a country ravaged by military rule. The military junta's response to allegations of unlawful arrests and torture was to deny any wrongdoing, claiming their members are well organized. This denial highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Myanmar, which have forced many citizens into desperate situations. The war has also led to a shortage of medical professionals, complicating the organ transplant process. Despite the pain and uncertainty of living with one kidney, Maung Maung expressed no regret for his decision, prioritizing his family's needs above all. The situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, with many individuals resorting to selling their organs as a last resort to survive.