Myanmar

Key Results in 2022-2023

Community-led monitoring initiatives scaled up access to HIV services for key populations in 17 nongovernmental healthcare facilities.
An HIV and tuberculosis nutrition assistance programme reached 46 900 people with food assistance and cash transfer in seven states.
Approximately 15 000 people accessed Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), HIV and SRH information via social media platforms.
US$ 223.2 million mobilized from the Global Fund for the national HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria response.

Joint Programme Results

The Joint Programme’s support in Myanmar enabled the scale-up of HIV services. Standard operating procedures for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV self-testing testing services among key populations, particularly, people who inject drugs, gay men and other men who have sex with men and young people, were developed to accelerate expansion of these services. A two-year operational plan of the National Strategic Framework on health and drugs was finalized to address the health needs, including HIV among people who use or inject drugs, through technical support from the Joint Programme. In addition, 30 representatives of community-based organizations improved their capacity to deliver HIV prevention, treatment and support services for people who use drugs via virtual and in-person training workshops.

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. Results from these studies will inform the National Strategic Plan V review process, future programmes and capacity building initiatives.

HIV incidence per 1000 uninfected populations

Source: AIDSinfo

AIDS mortality per 1000 population

Source: AIDSinfo

Progress towards 95-95-95 targets

Source: AIDSinfo

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.

Community-led monitoring initiatives strengthened access to HIV services, particularly among vulnerable and key populations in 17 nongovernmental healthcare facilities. Furthermore, community-based organizations were empowered to effectively advocate for improved access to quality HIV and gender-based violence services and lead the response. For instance, the representatives of the National Drug Users Network in Myanmar (NDNM) and the network of people living with HIV enhanced their capacity for implementing HIV programmes for people who inject drugs through technical support and mentorship.

Community members trained on the legal environment helped to identify and document 120 cases of gender-based violence, refer 30 cases to healthcare facilities and advocate for reduced jail sentences for people who use drugs.

A total of 1242 young people from key populations and 42 peer educators were trained on HIV, mental health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through a peer education initiative supported by the Joint Programme. As a result, 296 young people from key populations were referred to HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment services.

Results from the epidemiologic and programmatic review of HIV informed the Global Fund grant request, which mobilized US$ 223.2 million for the national HIV and tuberculosis response.

As part of the HIV and tuberculosis nutrition assistance programme, 46 900 people received food assistance and nutrition counselling or cash transfer in seven states. In two regions, 189 internally displaced adults and children living with HIV in humanitarian camps received nutritional support while 102 people living with HIV residing in conflict affected areas were traced and re-enrolled on antiretroviral treatment. In partnership with nongovernmental and civil society organizations, 1000 female dignity kits were distributed to female sex workers in four humanitarian settings. Finally, 129 internally displaced people who use drugs accessed HIV, hepatitis B and C testing, counselling and treatment as well as drug rehabilitation services.