Since it is exceedingly difficult to download the new UNAIDS global report, I have cut and pasted everything it says about Myanmar here. The Myanmar maps are disappointing compared to some of the ones from other countries.

Is it true that about 30,000 people living with HIV on ART have had their viral load tested and have achieved viral suppression? If it is, I am impressed.

Of course the failure of the response to the rising epidemic among people who inject drugs is not mentioned in the report. Who wants to report failures? Will the new focus on locations, people, and programmes increase the response in areas where there are many drug injectors, where drug injectors congregate, with more organisations providing services and current implementing organisations increasing reach instead of adding more services for the reached? Hm?

Jamie

++++++++++++++++++

"Among low- and middle-income countries, Brazil, the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar and the Republic of Moldova have
achieved viral suppression for more than 80% of people receiving
antiretroviral therapy."

"Myanmar

Overview

Five of the 15 states and regions in Myanmar make up 60% of the total
population. These states are primarily in the central part of the country.
The HIV epidemic in Myanmar is concentrated among men who have
sex with men, people who inject drugs and female sex workers. Most
HIV and AIDS cases are reported from large urban areas, and from the
north-eastern and northern areas of the country where injecting drug use
is widespread.

Progress

There has been impressive scale-up in the numbers of people receiving
treatment. Patients enrolled in antiretroviral therapy at public sites
have increased from 12 692 in 2011 to 40 617 in 2013. In 2014, 18
947 new patients were started on antiretroviral therapy compared to
5146 in 2011. Retention in care of people on antiretroviral therapy at
12 months was 82%, and 78% at 24 months. HIV–TB collaboration was
strengthened. HIV prevalence among new TB patients has decreased
from 11.1% to 8.5%. HIV testing and counselling as the entry point into
the continuum of care has been scaled up from 95 851 tests in 2012 to
666 752 in 2014. Testing among key populations has increased. There
have been increases in needle and syringe programmes and methadone
programmes for people who inject drugs.

Care and support for people living with HIV is provided through nine
national civil society networks. To meet the needs of migrants and
mobile populations, cross-border collaboration is being strengthened.
The review of restrictive laws impeding access to HIV prevention,
care and treatment services, especially for key populations, has
been initiated.

Opportunities

Building on the achievements and lessons learned from the past national
strategic plans, the 2016–2020 plan will Fast-Track the response, working
closely with key stakeholders, including civil society and affected
communities, to focus on the locations, people and programmes that
will deliver the greatest impact. HIV testing and counselling will be
promoted through both facility- and community-based model, prompt
HIV treatment for people living with HIV will be offered upon HIV
diagnosis, and access to viral load testing will be expanded. HIV-related
services will be integrated with other diseases.

Female sex workers: HIV prevalence, 2014
map
HIV prevalence among female sex workers was measured in 10 sentinel sites.
The highest prevalence is noted in the south-west and the far North of Myanmar.
Prevention, care and treatment services for female sex workers are distributed
across the states and regions with emphasis on the mentioned sentinel sites.

Men who have sex with men: HIV prevalence, 2014
map
HIV prevalence among men who have sex is the highest in the southwest.
Prevention, care and treatment services for men who have sex with men are
distributed across states and regions with emphasis on the sentinel sites.

People who inject drugs: HIV prevalence, 2014
map
HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs is highest in the Yangon area and
the northern and north-east regions near the Chinese border. Prevention, care
and treatment services for people who inject drugs are distributed in the most
affected regions of the country based on sentinel sites information."