The [him] moderator has twice requested a copy of this paper from Ratana Metta but has not received it. It is an interesting abstract from the ICAAP. And it deserves to be more widely known.

[him] moderator

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Digging the scriptures:A small Buddhist faith-based organization’s quest for tailored HIV prevention
Myint Swe, Nang Mo Kham
Ratana Metta, Myanmar
WePC153

Issues: Bearing distinction among the highest HIV prevalence in the region, Myanmar is fighting uphill battle against HIV transmission. Predominantly Buddhist community, Myanmar faces religious and cultural constraints in HIV prevention efforts.

Project: Ratana Metta, Buddhist faith-based organisation, had gone back to the Buddhist scriptures and dialogue with religious community to find a local
solution to the global problem. Buddhists believe that following 5 precepts is the way to be reborn into a better life and “Asi-Sati” is the cornerstone of that road. HIV positive as well as negative individuals are encouraged to practice “Asi-Sati” in HIV prevention. “Asi” - meaning knowledge of HIV- should go hand in hand with “Sati”- mindfulness of one’s action regarding HIV transmission.

Results: Anecdotal evidence reveals that practicing this not only helps the person to be aware of his/her mind and thus makes a conscious decision to prevent him/herself and others from HIV transmission but also renders peacefulness and equanimity to practitioners. Resultant positive outlook leads to better health seeking behavior and improved physical health.

Lessons learned: Religion and faith, traditionally considered barriers to effective HIV prevention efforts, are in fact fertile grounds to discover locally specific and culturally acceptable tailored HIV prevention messages.