Myanmar groups develop their networks to improve responses to HIV
29 February 2008
Myanmar’s civil society groups are working hard to create an environment where people with HIV can support each other and be more open about their status.
In January over a hundred representatives from local NGOs, community organisations and self-help groups gathered for their third annual meeting to share experiences and identify ways to build stronger networks to tackle the HIV epidemic.
The three-day meeting was hosted by the Local NGO Networking Initiative Group, with technical assistance from the Alliance, the Burnet Institute and UNAIDS.
Civil society plays an important role in responding to the HIV epidemic in Myanmar and the meeting highlighted the increased visibility and tangible results of civil society leadership, clearly demonstrated by the success of World AIDS Day 2007.
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the establishment of regional networking groups.
Different organisations and self-help groups working with men who have sex with men, sex workers, women with HIV and injecting drug users presented their approaches to successful networking and how it has allowed groups to better mobilise in their regions.
Myanmar Positive Group (MPG) shared their experiences of forming partnerships with individuals from different communities and linking into existing regional networks. This approach has given many benefits to MPG including technical and financial support from the Asian Pacific Network (APN+).
Other examples included an NGO that had been working with government and international NGOs to begin the delivery of antiretroviral services.
