HIV/AIDS education and prevention in Myanmar

Myanmar has a diverse population, 70% of whom reside in rural areas. These factors, along with limited resources, create a challenge for monitoring and controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The first HIV-infected individual was identified in 1988, and the first AIDS case was reported in 1991. The National AIDS Control Program and the National AIDS Committee were established in 1989. Sentinel surveillance was begun in 1992. A cumulative total of 45,968 HIV/AIDS cases have been reported through 2003. UNAIDS and the government of Myanmar estimated that there were 177,279 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Myanmar in December 2001. High prevalence rates of HIV have been identified in injection drug users (IDUs), commercial sex workers (CSWs), and men attending sexually transmited disease clinics. Levels of HIV in all groups appear to have leveled off, but the prevalence remains high in IDUs and CSWs. A 100% targetted condom promotion program was implemented in 2001. Political commitment to control HIV/AIDS has been established through the leadership of the government and establishment of AIDS committees extending down to the township and rural health center levels. An increased understanding of the problems that Myanmar faces in controlling HIV transmission and increased support from international agencies and nongovernmental organizations can play an important role in facilitating more intensive intervention activities.