Objectives: To estimate mortality rates among populations living in civil war zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon states of eastern Burma.
Methods: Indigenous mobile health workers conducted cluster sample surveys in 2002 and 2003, interviewing household heads to collect demographic and mortality data.
Results: In 2002, 1,290 households (7,496 individuals) were surveyed; in 2003, 1,609 households (9,083 individuals). Infant mortality rates were 135 and 122 per 1,000 live births; under-five mortality rates were 291 and 276; crude mortality rates were 25 and 21 per 1,000 persons per year.
Conclusions: Conflict-affected populations in eastern Burma face high mortality. Indigenous mobile health workers offer a feasible method to monitor health status in inaccessible areas.
Keywords: Burma, mortality, internally displaced persons, malaria, landmines, civil conflict