Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian Online - May 28, 2008
Helping the victims of Burma's catastrophe: While most of the local and international aid workers in Burma are scrambling to meet the immediate needs of 2,4-million people left stranded by Cyclone Nargis, several organisations are working to ensure that survivors living with HIV are included in the response.
According to the latest estimate by UNAids, about 242 000 people -- 0,7% of Burma's population -- live with HIV, but only about 1 500 receive life-prolonging antiretroviral (ARV) treatment via a government programme. Another 10 500 people receive ARV drugs from NGOs, mainly Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Holland.
Speaking on the phone from Yangon, MSF country director Frank Smithuis said most of the people in their treatment programme are based in urban areas that escaped the worst of the storm.
With 10 000 HIV-positive patients in Yangon alone, MSF decided to provide all of those who came to clinics with a one-off cash grant of about $10 to buy food. Anti-Aids treatment must be accompanied by an adequate diet.
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