Cynthia Maung

The Mae Tao Clinic, established by physician Cynthia Maung, provides medical services to thousands of internally displaced persons and migrant workers along the Thai-Burmese border. Since its inception, the facility has addressed critical healthcare needs in a region where professional medical infrastructure is frequently absent, serving as a primary point of care for vulnerable populations arriving from Myanmar.

Professional Training and Background

Born in 1959 within Insein Township, Cynthia Maung pursued her medical education at the University of Medicine 2. As a physician, her professional focus has integrated direct patient care with human rights advocacy. Her practice addresses the unique challenges of public health in border regions, where political instability and restricted resources complicate the delivery of essential treatments.

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Clinical Operations and Humanitarian Focus

For three decades, Maung has managed the operations of the Mae Tao Clinic. The clinic functions as a hub for maternal health, emergency medical intervention, and general treatment for those excluded from conventional healthcare systems. Her work includes collaborative research on maternal health interventions and human rights assessments in complex emergency settings, often published in partnership with international health researchers to document the specific conditions faced by displaced groups.

International Recognition

Maung has received numerous honors for her contributions to community health and human rights. Notable distinctions include the 1999 John Humphrey Freedom Award, the 2002 Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the 2008 Catalonia International Prize, which she shared with Aung San Suu Kyi. In 2013, she was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize, followed by the N Peace Award in 2018 and the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2022. She was also recognized in 2003 by Time magazine as an Asian Hero.

Fast facts

Born: 1959, Insein Township, Myanmar
Education: University of Medicine 2
Spouse: Kyaw Hein (married 1992)
Children: Four (two adopted)
Primary achievement: Founder of Mae Tao Clinic
Awards include: Ramon Magsaysay Award (2002), Sydney Peace Prize (2013), Gwangju Prize (2022)

Questions readers ask

What is the primary function of the Mae Tao Clinic?

The clinic provides free healthcare, including maternal health services, to migrant workers and internally displaced persons along the Thai-Burmese border.