Here is a best practice article from the Three Diseases Fund website.
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Targeted outreach for high-risk HIV groups in Myanmar
Megan Blackmore
PSI distribute condom at their centres, alongside information materials
Groups at a high risk of HIV infection in Myanmar are receiving targeted support through a network of Population Services International (PSI) drop-in centres that provide community support, clinical services and information.
3DF provides 37 per cent of the funds for the targeted outreach program. PSI is a major partner of 3DF, receiving grants of approximately $1.5million per year.
The HIV epidemic in Myanmar is concentrated in nature. Transmission occurs primarily in high-risk sexual contacts such as sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men and the sexual partners of these populations. A UN General Assembly report estimates that 28 per cent of men having sex with men and 18 per cent of female sex workers in Myanmar are HIV positive, and in recent years the country has seen a strong increase in HIV related illness and death within these groups.
The PSI program has developed a community through their centres, providing peer outreach activities, clinical services and HIV support. Activities include peer support groups and entertainment along with distribution of communication materials and sales of condoms.
Habib Rahman, Director of the Targeted Outreach says “One of the centre’s core guiding principles is ‘Nothing for us without us’, with 90 per cent of the staff members coming from within the community”
“Here people can share their concerns and issues with their friends”.
Clinical services provided at the centres include detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and counseling. For those who are HIV positive the centres give referrals for anti-retroviral treatment and have trained volunteer ‘buddies’ who provide support and materials such as a self care booklet.
The program started in 2004 with one centre in Yangon. Over six years the program has set up 15 centres around the country and has grown to 300 staff members. Three national consultations have been held, where members from various cities meet for events that have included appearances by national film stars. During 2010 the program will create five more drop-in centres in new locations around Myanmar.
http://3dfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=42
