The Akha People (also referred to as Hani/Akha People), are an estimated
2.5 million persons living in Yunnan province in Southwest China,
the northern parts of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, and eastern Burma.
They live in a central part of what is currently called the 'Mekong
Quadrangle', an area of about 500 by 600 km or 30,000 sq. km, somewhat
the size of the European Alps. The Akhas are concentrated in an area
that is crossed by several major rivers: the Mekong, the Red and Black
Rivers, and the Salween, and their many tributaries which cut steep
valleys. Of crucial contemporary significance, this border area covers
part of the territory of five modern nation-states. The total population
of this region, including quickly growing industrial centres, is about
15-20 million. The Akha live mostly in the mountains interspersed
with other ethnic groups, but are concentrated in certain areas. "Akha,"
according to some, means "In Between (high upland and lowland)
People". The official number of Akha in the mountains of Thailand
is now 58,000 persons (Tribal Research Institute, 1995). Given the
high number of non-registered Akha and large scale urbanisation, the
total number of Akha in Thailand is probably closer to 75,000 persons.
Most Akha still live in remote villages today. Many are born in these
remote villages and don't have documentation proving they were born
in Thailand. This leaves them ineligible for public health care and
education. They struggle to survive under challenging conditions and
meager opportunity.
For more information about the history of the Akha people, visit
http://www.hani-akha.org.
A People in Danger… A Reason for Hope
The Akha People are rich in culture, history, knowledge, and tradition.
But they are also among the world’s most impoverished. Tragically,
many Akha children die from lack of medical care and from malnutrition.
The medium life expectancy of Akha is still only 43 years. Akha women
remain remarkably resilient in the face of a harsh life and unsure
future. It is primarily the women who work the fields and provide
sustenance for the family. Additionally, the women maintain a treasure
of Akha culture: traditional herbal medicine and healing massage techniques.
Among the younger Akha women, these traditions are being lost. Some
children are led into prostitution to earn money.
The Akha Women’s Foundation provides opportunities for the
Akha women so they can receive training and education, provide for
their families, and share their culture. Click here to learn how you
can be part of this worthwhile cause, and enjoy the treasure of the
Akha people.
