On International Human Rights Day UNFPA joined diplomats, representatives from the United Nations Agencies, local and international non-government organisations and donor countries, to celebrate more than ten years of tireless effort in HIV awareness raising amongst key affected populations in Myanmar. The event took place on the 10 December 2014 at a Targeted Outreach Programme (TOP) run Drop-in Center in Yangon.
The Targeted Outreach Programme - otherwise known as "TOP" centres - was established in 2004 and is Myanmar's largest provider of HIV prevention and other clinical services to female sex workers (FMSs) and men who have sex with me (MSMs). According to official figures the number of persons in Myanmar living with HIV is estimated to be approximately 215,000. Figures suggest a 10.4% prevalence amongst FMSs and 8.1% amongst MSMs. On a global scale, 35.3 million people live with HIV/AIDS.
TOP operates 17 Drop-in centers across Myanmar's states and regions providing free HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinical services, access to family planning, reproductive health consultations, peer education and counseling, including a safe space for key affected populations. TOP is supported by UNFPA and other partners such as USAID, the Global Fund and Soa Aids and implemented through the support of Population Services International (PSI).
Ms. Janet Jackson, UNFPA Myanmar Representative highlighted the importance of the work carried out by the TOP and remarked on its achievements, having successfully distributed 14 million condoms, conducted 92,000 HIV tests and identified 8000 case through testing as well as treated 104,00 cases of STIs. "UNFPA is proud to be part of efforts to raise awareness on prevention of HIV/AIDS and to offer advice to affected groups in stigma free locations," she said.
Ms. Jackson also stressed the need for drop-in clinics across Myanmar handing out free contraceptives such as male and female condoms and lubricants, including providing advice to affected groups on stigma-free locations for free testing on sexually infected diseases and HIV in confidence, HIV and reproductive health screening services as well as antiretroviral treatment drugs and other universal precaution material, as well as training and social support. "Our aim is to reduce the stigma attached to HIV and usage of condoms by adopting a zero discrimination approach by increase awareness amongst all stakeholders," she said.
The celebratory event led by the US Ambassador to Myanmar, highlighted in his remarks, the need for continued support through community-led interventions and outreach by TOP. He commended the loyalty and courage of those from the key affected populations who had built up the services over the years, ensuring these continue to be "given for the community by the community".
On a nation-wide scale, UNFPA supports under its 3rd country programme and HIV prevention project, the comprehensive condom programme (CCP) which covers 34 townships and 32 townships for the HIV prevention of mother to child transmission programme (PMCT). UNFPA focuses mainly on prevention of HIV through sexual transmission.
