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Myanmar
The Joint Programme support in Myanmar enabled the scale up of HIV services. To accelerate expansion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV self-testing testing services among key populations, including people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and young people, standard operating procedures for these services were developed. A two-year operational plan of the National Strategic Framework on health and drugs has also been finalized to address the health needs, including HIV among people who use or inject drugs. In addition, 30 representatives of community-based organizations improved their capacity to deliver HIV prevention, treatment and support services for people who use drugs.
HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy among young people was strengthened with strategic support from the Joint Programme. For example, 574 young people completed the online comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) published on the Myanmar Teacher Platform while 115 young people received a three-day virtual comprehensive sexuality education training from national experts. In addition, 22 trained young people empowered 371 adolescents and young people to lead advocacy and knowledge sharing on CSE; and 14 920 people accessed HIV and SRH information via social media platforms.
Strategic evidence for the HIV response and harm reduction programmes was reinforced through a study on Amphetamine-type stimulants and related risks and rapid assessment of sexualized drug use (chemsex) and expansion of peer-led and virtual programmes.
Access and adherence to treatment for HIV and drug use was strengthened in two states, thanks to the technical and financial assistance from the Joint Programme. For instance, over 500 people living with HIV and people enrolled on methadone treatment received money to cover their transportation to treatment centres; 123 people benefited from nutrition packages; and 141 people were referred for HIV and hepatitis B and C testing. In addition, the number of people living with HIV registered on the national open-source medical records system (OpenMRS) increased from 68.7% in 2022 to 70% in 2023 ensuring follow-up and adherence to treatment services.