Myanmar: involving Buddhist organisations in caring for people living with HIV
Rattana Metta is an Alliance partner that provides care and support to people with HIV. Based in the grounds of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the biggest Buddhist temple in Yangon, Rattana Metta's work is founded on Buddhist philosophy and teachings. The organisation manages a clinic, a counselling centre and a home-based care programme.
Due to conservative norms, stigma and discrimination present severe problems for people living with HIV in Myanmar. Through targeted advocacy to senior monks in the Sangha, Rattana Metta has helped promote acceptance of people living with HIV. This work is particularly beneficial for the many people living with HIV in Myanmar who turn to religion when they are diagnosed. The location of the organisation, within the grounds of the pagoda, plays an important role in service provision as well: many of the patients who come for treatment also visit the pagoda, providing spiritual healing as well as a legitimate reason for their trip.
When the Alliance first approached Rattana Metta in 2004, the organisation had not yet started its activities. Capacity building support provided by the Alliance was significant in providing start-up funds, and has played an important role in shaping Rattana Metta’s development. The clinic and centre are now well established, treating about 180 people. At present, treatment is only offered for opportunistic infections, but plans are underway to initiate antiretroviral treatment – which would make Rattana Metta the first NGO in Myanmar to offer treatment for HIV. At present only 10% of people needing treatment in Myanmar are receiving it.
Monthly gatherings are held for HIV positive people, providing an opportunity to meet others, share experiences, practice meditation, and learn about positive living. Rattana Metta also provides support through peer counsellors and volunteers. One peer counsellor remembers when she was diagnosed with HIV, and outlines the benefit of these services:
“At that time, there was no counselling offered to me. I felt alone and depressed and I had nowhere to turn for support. Now that I am a peer counsellor, I can give psychological support to other people who need it. I think that my personal experience helps other people to trust me, and it means that I can make a strong connection with the people that I am counselling.”
In addition to on-site services, home visits are carried out when people living with HIV fail to come for regular clinical check-ups; during these visits, volunteers try to address any relevant family problems, and provide encouragement and moral support.
http://www.aidsalliance.org/sw51511.asp
