Support to the national strategic plan on HIV and Aids (Harm Reduction)
In Myanmar, HIV has the features of a concentrated epidemic among specific groups. The latest data showed HIV prevalence at over 7% among female sex workers, 8.9% among men who have sex with men, and 18% among people who inject drugs. 3MDG aims to support priority gaps in the national response to HIV that are not readily funded by the Global Fund. The main focus of 3MDG support in 2013 was on harm reduction.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES
Priority was given to townships where injecting drug use and HIV prevalence was higher. These townships are in areas of high injecting drug use along the border areas, drug trafficking routes and mining sites, for example in Kachin State.
HARM REDUCTION
HIV harm reduction interventions under 3MDG are Government-led and aligned to the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS. At the end of 2013, 3MDG had commissioned nearly US$ 6.7 million in grants with 11 partners, for services in a total of 33 townships in Shan, Kachin and Mon states, and Mandalay, Sagaing and Yangon regions. A total of 9 grants were commissioned for HIV interventions and 2 grants were commissioned for integrated HIV-TB-malaria interventions. These partners provided a comprehensive package of harm reduction services, including:
- Clean needle and syringe distribution
- HIV counselling and testing services
- Referral for opioid substitution therapy
- Screening and treatment for TB and sexually transmitted infections
- Antiretroviral therapy
ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO HIV PREVENTION
Through enhanced advocacy efforts and improved awareness, it is anticipated that Myanmar may be able to effect the necessary policy and legislative reforms required in order to address its HIV epidemic. However, substantial policy and legal barriers remain that limit the effective conduct of HIV prevention activities. Discriminatory attitudes of health service providers, of the family and in the community at large towards key affected populations also constitute social barriers of isolation, judgment and exclusion. In 2013, 3MDG signed a financing agreement with UNAIDS for interventions that aim to address the substantial policy and legal barriers that limit the effective conduct of HIV prevention activities.
INTEGRATED SERVICES: HIV-TB-MALARIA
3MDG’s experience suggests that integrating service delivery across the three diseases will provide better access to services while costing less. Whilst broad integration of TB/HIV services is planned for 2014, 3MDG has already financed integrated services from two implementing partners in five hard-to-reach and priority townships (Hpakan, Waingmaw, Laukkaing in Kokang Special Region, Lashio and Patheingyi).
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