Optimizing HIV Services for Key Populations in Public-Sector Clinics in Myanmar

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV/AIDS Prevention
• Healthcare Services

Background:

• Key populations face significant barriers accessing HIV prevention and care due to stigma and discrimination.
• Myanmar's public health facilities are increasingly involved in HIV service delivery, necessitating client-centered approaches.
• There is an urgent need for healthcare workers to provide services that are friendly and accessible to key populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a multicomponent intervention on HIV service delivery for key populations in Myanmar.
• To evaluate improvements in healthcare worker knowledge and client perceptions of care.
• To determine the feasibility of public health facilities providing effective HIV services to key populations.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, multicomponent intervention was implemented between July 2017 and June 2018.
• Intervention components included healthcare worker sensitization training, knowledge assessments, client and worker satisfaction surveys, and structural changes.
• Data were collected from 50 healthcare workers and key population clients through self-administered surveys.

Main Results:

• Modest improvements were observed in healthcare worker knowledge post-training.
• Client classification shifted towards identifying more individuals within key population groups, with fewer classified as low risk.
• Key population clients reported favorable perceptions regarding the quality and confidentiality of care received.

Conclusions:

• Public health facilities in Myanmar can successfully deliver HIV services that are valued by key population clients.
• Healthcare worker training and structural adjustments are effective in enhancing service delivery.
• The findings support the integration of key population-friendly HIV services within public health systems.