Here is the text from the statement of the National PLHIV Network 2012 Forum. Where are the previous five?
[him] moderator
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6th National PLHIV Network 2012 Forum Statement
"Statement issued by Myanmar Positive Group (National PLHIV Network)" on the 6th National PLHIV Forum 2012
Date: 16 September 2012
Letter No.12/09/02 (MPG)
Myanmar Positive Group is the National PLHIV Network consists of PLHIV Self Help Groups
(SHG).MPG was set up in 2005 and, at present, it is composed of 214 SHGs in 14 state and regions
across the country with a membership of 10114.
MPG members would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the service providers working in
the HIV prevention, care and support and treatment programs. About one third of PLHIVs needing
treatment have tasted the fruits of their efforts. At the same time, we believe that we can work
together to improve the access to quality treatment for the PLHIVs.
MPG as the National PLHIV Network has pledged to work for the better understanding of treatment
by PLHIV and to increase the trust of the members. We also believe that PLHIV can have more
chances to express their needs and to involve more meaningfully in the health care services.
"Difficulties and needs faced by PLHIV at present"
1. The need for better understanding of ARV treatment by PLHIV
As many patients recently started ART have low level of knowledge on ART and do not understand
the good and bad effects of ART, they do hold little value for ART which can lead to increase
defaulter cases. We are concerned for the dangers of emergence of resistant strains.
2. The ratio between number of the service providers and the number of the patients
In some places, it was found that there is shortage of service providers. That is why counselors
cannot give much time for proper counseling which can affect the quality of care provided. As this
can lead to poor health of the patients, it is important to have an adequate number of service
providers for the patients.
3. Shortage in OI treatment
Many patients are not receiving medicines for OI treatment in most of the areas. At present, there are many patients waiting for ART. The provisions of OI medicines are very important for maintaining the health status of such patients while waiting to get ART. Hence, it is important to have OI medicines for all patients, regardless of race or religion.
4. Issues with CD4 Testing
It is very important to have access to CD4 test for quality treatment. No availability, low availability and difficult access to CD4 testing are serious barriers for success of continuum of care. Thus, it is very urgent that CD4 testing are available, accessible and of quality to all.
5. Access to treatment in conflict areas
Since the service provisions in some areas of Kachin and Rakhine State has been suspended, there is the danger to the lives of PLHIV as well as the danger of development of drug resistant HIV strains. It is required that all those concerned work for the earliest resolution of the conflict and the continuance of health service provision in those areas.
197 members from all 14 states and regions across the country who have attended the 6th National PLHIV Forum 0n 15-16 September 2012 make a signed statement to authorities, UN agencies, donors and all service providers.
"Our calls"
We call for improved knowledge of ART before starting and right after starting ART for all patients started on ART.
We call for adequate number of medical doctors and staffs for service provisions.
We call for adequate provision of OI medicines for all patients regardless of race or religion.
We call for access to quality CD4 testing across the country.
We entreat to all the persons concerned to work for the earliest resolution of the conflict and the continuance of health service provision in those conflict affected areas.
Myanmar Positive Group
No-12/F, Pyi Thu Street, 7 Mile, Mayan Gone Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: 662484, 665904, 666532, Ext-214, 094 303 2951
Email: myanmarpositivegroup@gmail.com, info@mpgnationalnetwork.org
www.mpgnationalnetwork.org
E-mail.myanmarpositivegroup@gmail.com
