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Prevalence of HIV in drug users increases in Myanmar
www.chinaview.cn 2009-06-13 10:32:52
YANGON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Prevalence of HIV in drug users in Myanmar's two cities of Yangon and Myitgyinar increased by three times in 2008 compared with 2007, according to the health ministry Saturday.

Of the drug users carrying HIV, those in Myitgyinar took 54.5 percent, while those in Yangon 19 percent, the sources said, adding that most are aged from 30 to 34 taking 46.79 percent of the total.

Meanwhile, Myanmar has introduced a project on HIV prevention for migrant workers moving into the country's two border areas of Tachilek and Muse for livelihood.

The project, to be implemented by Myanmar's Anti-Narcotics Association (MANA) with the cooperation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), directs at young migrant workers including women coming to work at the border areas or crossing border.

Prevention against the spreading of HIV among them and reproductive health education are being covered by the project as an initial phase.

According to the health ministry, HIV prevalence rate in Myanmar has attained the most critical point especially in the border areas where socio-economic status is complicated.

The authorities have launched education campaign in eastern Shan state's Tachilek in 2008 and the campaign on HIV prevention is being extended to Muse in northern Shan state.

Moreover, two Myanmar cities in the northern part -- Lashio and Mandalay were found with most HIV-carrying sex workers, according to the ministry.

Of the 945 sex workers examined during a census conducted for six areas in the country in 2007, 147 were found infected with HIV with those from Lashio accounting for 22.7 percent, Mandalay 22.6 percent, Myitgyina 17.9 percent, Taunggyi 14.4 percent, Yangon 9.6percent and Kengtung 1.2 percent.

The HIV victims, aged from 30 to 34, took 22.8 percent, while those from 25 to 29 represented 18 percent, 20 to 24 17.3 percent, the figures showed.

More figures revealed that a total of 2,190 people, engaged in the sector, were exposed as carrying HIV in 2008.

However, according to a latest report of the UNAIDS, the number of people infected with HIV in Myanmar dropped to 240,000 in 2007 from 300,000 in 2001, thanks to the government's anti-HIV efforts for years.

HIV/AIDS is among the three major communicable diseases of national concern designated by Myanmar. The other two diseases are tuberculosis and malaria. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/13/content_11535822.htm