H Aung has made an error in attributing a decrease in prevalence among drug users entirely to the activities of MANA. Hmm. No mention of deaths, challenges in measurement, or the activities of other players.
[him] moderator
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Comprehensive Community HIV Prevention and Care Among Drug Users in Burma (Myanmar)
Category: Prevention
Year: 2011
H. Aung. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Johns Hopkins University, United States; Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association, Burma (Myanmar)
Background: In Burma (Myanmar), there are an estimated 60,000 injection drug users (IDUs) representing 0.12 percent of the population. Heroin injection, in particular, is becoming more prevalent. The sharing of injecting equipment also is becoming more prevalent because of poor access to clean needles and antidrug paraphernalia laws that make injecting equipment illegal. As a result, it has been estimated that the prevalence of HIV among IDUs in Burma (Myanmar) is more than 44 percent.
Methods: Through community-based outreach and a drop-in center approach, the Burma (Myanmar) Anti-Narcotic Association (MANA) has been conducting HIV prevention and treatment efforts, including advocacy meetings with the community; dissemination of information, education, and communication brochures; distribution of sterile injection equipment and condoms; referral to HIV treatment and prevention clinics; voluntary confidential HIV testing and counseling; primary health care; and effective referral to methadone clinics and rehabilitation centers. Information was collected on those receiving services at MANA.
Results: Overall, 1,512 drug users have been reached by these services, including 807 IDUs and 705 non-IDUs. In addition, 96,661 needles/syringes have been distributed with 62 percent of used needles/syringes returned. Also, 126,982 condoms have been distributed. Over a 5-year period, the HIV prevalence among IDUs utilizing the services has decreased from 44 percent to 31 percent.
Conclusions: MANA has made some progress in addressing the rising HIV prevalence among drug users in Burma (Myanmar). From a public health and human rights perspective, constant care and support for drug users in the community is necessary to save lives and promote public health.
http://international.drugabuse.gov/meetings/abstract-database/result/fn%3D%2526amp%3Bln%3D%2526amp%3Bsub%3D%2526amp%3Byr%3D0%2526amp%3Bcat%3D0%2526amp%3Bco%3D0%2526amp%3Breg%3D0%2526amp%3Bid%3D3517
