International Crisis Group - December 16, 2004

Yangon/Brussels, 16 December 2004: To combat its growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, Myanmar must urgently boost local staff capabilities and make more effective use of international aid.

Myanmar: Update on HIV/AIDS Policy, the latest report from the International Crisis Group, describes the country's rate of HIV infection, one of the highest in Asia, as more than an issue of public health. The epidemic has security implications for the country's neighbours, and it also offers an opportunity for the strengthening of civil society inside Myanmar.

"Fighting HIV/AIDS involves intensive ground-level work, so it entails fostering small NGOs and grassroots organisations, the kind of groups that might eventually help prepare for any democratic transition", says Robert Templer, Director of Crisis Group's Asia Program.

For the past two years, the international community has boosted funding and shown more willingness to find ways to help victims and counter the pandemic. While this engagement has not had a transforming impact on either the epidemic or the country's politics, it is possible to point to some positive developments, at least with respect to the former.

The regime remains closed, but some government obstacles have been removed: most critically, the military decided to address the problems of HIV. Also, in a change of heart, the opposition National League for Democracy has supported outside assistance for HIV/AIDS programs.

The international humanitarian response is beginning to help the people of Myanmar develop social structures independent of the regime. Several hundred Myanmar professionals and thousands of community volunteers on HIV are being supported technically and financially by international organisations to conduct grassroots education, counselling and treatment. The transparency, accountability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs in local organisations play a vital role in building an open society. International engagement could also provide benefits in other fields of development such as education, agriculture and reproductive health.

Grave problems remain, however. Government spending on health and education is still perilously low, with the military seriously mismanaging the economy. The recent shake-up in the regime leaves the political future more uncertain than ever.

International assistance must be expanded to border areas, where the HIV problem is particularly intense, and it must boost the country's capacity to tackle HIV, including more technical aid and training. This additional support should be targeted at local and community-based organisations.

SOURCE: International Crisis Group

Contacts: Andrew Stroehlein (Brussels) +32 (0) 485 555 946 Jennifer Leonard (Washington) +1-202-785 1601

Read the full Crisis Group briefing on the ICG website: http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=3174

041216
IC041201

Copyright © 2004 - Reproduced courtesy of copyright owner - listed on source line.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .