Myanmar

Key Results in in 2024

National HIV Prevention Roadmap and updated clinical and prevention guidelines available.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) expanded to 10 new sites, reaching 5000 key populations.
HIV treatment stood at 220 000 clients, including those affected by conflict.
Over 5200 young people engaged through safe spaces and peer-led sessions on HIV, enhancing their knowledge and access to health services.
Integrated services (HIV, Hepatitis and/or nutrition) available for people who use drugs (PWUDs) and internally displaced people (IDPs) in camps.

Joint Programme Results

In 2024, the Joint Programme delivered targeted, community-centred interventions to sustain and expand HIV services amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges. A comprehensive HIV Prevention Roadmap was developed, providing strategic direction for integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. HIV Prevention guidelines were also updated to include hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections services tailored to key populations. Moreover, the training curriculum for prevention of vertical HIV transmission was also updated.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services were expanded to 10 additional sites, reaching nearly 5000 members of key populations. Peer-led outreach in Shan State engaged over 5000 young people and adults with HIV services. Antiretroviral treatment access was maintained for 220 000 clients affected by conflict, with 60% receiving viral load testing and 95% achieving viral suppression. Hepatitis C treatment was expanded to 3500 people living with HIV, and SRH service referrals supported over 360 women and girls.

Care for over 18 000 people who inject drugs was improved through trainings of over 120 healthcare workers from 35 methadone clinics nationwide. These trainings included drug abuse and HIV prevention, methadone maintenance treatment and substance use disorder management. Community-based overdose management training modules are available after successful pilots. Additionally, community-led naloxone distribution was facilitated and technical assistance allowed to initiate overdose incidence recording and reporting.

Community-led HIV monitoring tools were upgraded and deployed across 14 facilities in three regions, identifying and addressing service access barriers, which included inadequate reimbursement of travel costs, limited service hours and inaccessibility of facilities. By addressing these barriers, HIV treatment uptake and viral load testing among key populations subsequently increased.

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.