Myanmar launches new sites for ASEAN cities Getting to Zero Initiative on HIV

UNAIDS commended the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports for the launch of two new sites as part of its commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cities Getting to Zero Project, a flagship initiative of the ASEAN to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Tun Min, State Health Director of Kayin State expressed commitment in an ASEAN Getting to Zero Cities regional consultation meeting, that in addition to Mawlamyine City, Myanmar’s Getting to Zero pilot site selected in 2012, Myawaddy and Hpa-an in Kayin State will also be part of the initiative.

The new sites will build on the best practices in the HIV response of Mawlamyine, such as having a well-established coordination mechanism for partners, extensive focus on prevention efforts and formation of self-help health groups.

UNAIDS Myanmar Country Director Mr. Oussama Tawil said, “The expansion of Getting to Zero sites in Myanmar shows the Ministry of Health and Sports’ commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat.

This initiative would encourage development of effective community-level interventions that can be replicated in different areas across the country.”

Activities in the Getting to Zero sites would focus on strengthening local targeted responses through partnerships with local government and non-government organizations, developing evidence-based ‘city specific’ combination prevention programmes and targeted treatment and care programmes. All interventions implemented in the cities will align with the strategic directions of the Myanmar National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS, 2016-2020.

Mawlamyine, Myawaddy and Hpa-an are also part of the ‘Greater Mekong Sub-Region Capacity Building for HIV/AIDS Prevention’ project, which is financed by the Government of Japan. The funding support of the above project together with the global fund will support the sites in reaching their Getting to Zero goals.

At a national level, Myanmar has made significant progress in the past years with an overall downward trend in HIV incidence and scaling up of antiretroviral treatment. However, challenges remain, such as with regard to ensuring impact of HIV prevention efforts among certain populations, such as people who inject drugs, stigma and discrimination, and the need to enhance multi-sectoral coordination and human resource capacity in HIV programming and management.

“There are still considerable challenges that need to be addressed and cooperation is needed among different partners to achieve the ambitious Getting to Zero goals. We are glad that Myanmar is keeping its momentum and leading to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment and care services are delivered to key populations and people living with HIV at the community level,” Mr. Tawil added.

GNLM

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar