We musn’t forget that Burma is still an overwhelmingly rural country. If you attend one pwe on the theme of HIV you will never forget it. The [him] moderator hasn’t.

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Educating rural community through pwe - traditional theatrical performance
THPE0257

D.Y.Y. Cho, D.K.A. MyintCARE Myanmar, Health, Yangon, Myanmar

Issues: The HIV/AIDS epidemic, no longer confined to hot spots, is becoming generalized in Myanmar. Rural people have limited access to media, they are low literate and have limited knowledge on HIV and they prefer Pwe to other forms of media. Pwe is a traditional theatrical performance and is usually performed at religious festivals. Pwe serves recreational, entertaining, educational and information purposes. Pwe are well received and accepted by the community. Pwe performers are role model for community and as such pwe is an appropriate and effective media reaching rural people.

Description: In this CARE project, contacts with influential artists were made through gatekeepers and key informers. Information package (1000) for pwe troupes and theatrical artists was developed and distributed. Five training workshops were conducted with pwe troupes on HIV/AIDS and risk/harm reduction. About 871 pwe performers from 20 troupes attended. Together 10 scripts with HIV/AIDS messages were developed. Scripts are mainly for short plays. Eighteen pwe troupes performed the scripts. The project supported necessary materials. Along with the pwe, an exhibition booth is opened and distributes IEC materials. Knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention are assessed at random after viewing booth show.

 Lessons learned: From November to January 2006, through 29 performances, pwe troupes are attended by more than 49,000 audients and 13 exhibitions attracted more than 47,000. Health education sessions among Pwe troupes in small group discussions have less barriers, much interaction and active participations. Pwe troupes themselves are direct beneficiaries. One pwe show covers a mass community audience.

Recommendations: In the future, attempts are to be made to access the effectiveness of the pwe and to incorporate more messages on stigma and discrimination and care and support

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Study on HIV/AIDS vulnerability of highly mobile young cattle herders in the Central and Eastern parts of Myanmar
CDD1461

A. SweAsia Regional HIV/AIDS Project, Project Coordinator, Yangon, Myanmar

Background: Young men who are involved in organized cattle trade have never been considered as part of HIV "high risk" equation. They herd cattle on foot through small transit towns where all types of needs for young travelers, particularly sex and drugs, are available. Their mobility as well as exposure to high risk behavior make them vulnerable to all types of transmissible diseases including HIV/AIDS which in turn, can serve as conduits for HIV transmission between the two ends of their journey.

Methods: A rapid applied research methodology for mobile population was used to conduct a two tier study. Members of a local CBO were trained as enumerators and accompany the herders to ascertain their mobility patterns, lifestyles, behavior and practices, level of health knowledge and attitude towards sexual practices and risk behaviors.

Results: A very large majority of the cattle herders are of sexually active age with only secondary education and more than 50% of them have a very vague knowledge on HIV/AIDS with very low personal hygiene practices. Sharing of everything is very common during their journey and the most vulnerable groups have the least knowledge on safer sex practices. Carrying condoms along the way is a taboo and only 13% claimed to have ever used it.

Conclusions: The source as well as the route of HIV transmission was found to be more complex than what is thought to be. The mobility of commercial sex workers in all transit points, their interactions with cattle herders, casual sex partners of the herders along trafficking routes are some of the main factors that comes into play in HIV transmission within the Central and Eastern part of Myanmar. In depth studies on mobile patterns and localized commercial sex industries need to be undertaken to determine the actual HIV transmission cycle.