This article gets dangerously close to revealing the identity of people living with HIV.

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HIV/AIDS and Leprosy Spread around Maungdaw Town
Narinjara News
29 August 2006

HIV/AIDS and leprosy have been spreading in the town of Maungdaw, reportedly from infected model villagers, said a health worker during a phone interview on condition of anonymity.

He says that in Quarter 4, known as Wra Thit, in Maungdaw, there are about 20 people who are long-term sufferers of HIV/AIDS, and one couple - the husband's name was Zaw Tin - died last year from AIDS complications.

In several quarters of Maungdaw, including Shata Wra, Alay Wra, Wimala, and Bomu, there are also a few people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and leprosy.

In Wimala Quarter, there is a 30-year-old woman who is currently suffering from AIDS. In Shata Wra and Ali Wra Quarters there are two men around 30 years old who are facing leprosy, the health worker reported.

However, the numbers of known patients suffering from these deadly diseases would likely increase if the authority were to check every household in Maungdaw; many people in the area are avoiding blood tests out of fear that an infection will be found.

Local people firmly believe that the authority established several model villages in the western border area of Burma and settled them with HIV/AIDS and leprosy affected patients from Burma proper.

A source close to an NGO that is dealing with the disease in the area, said that the NGO found over 600 HIV/AIDS affected individuals in a health survey of Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships.

In the western border area, there are nearly 40 model villages which have been set up by the military junta and settled by Burmans who were forced to relocate from Burma proper.

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