From Field Experience to Future Vision

During a recent advocacy and coordination mission to Northern Shan State, leadership from MPG witnessed first-hand the strength, commitment, and impact of community-led HIV responses.

Accompanying local teams across Lashio and surrounding townships, MPG’s Chairperson and Community Advisor engaged closely with National AIDS Program (NAP) teams, District Medical Officers, peer supporters, and partner organizations working together to sustain HIV services in diverse community settings. 

Recognising the Strength of Community Systems

The mission reaffirmed that peer supporters and community networks are at the heart of service delivery, working hand-in-hand with health authorities to support PLHIV.

Reflecting on the visit, Ma Thawdar, the Chairperson shared: “What we saw in Shan North is a strong example of how community systems and health services work together. Peer supporters are not working alone—they are part of a coordinated system led by the National AIDS Program and local health teams.”

MPG extends its sincere appreciation to:

• National AIDS Program (NAP) teams
• State, District and township health authorities
• Partner NGOs and community-based organizations
• Peer supporters and community leaders

whose collaboration continues to strengthen HIV responses across Shan State.

A Positive Development for Clients

During the visit, MPG leadership observed encouraging progress in service delivery.

More clients in Lashio are now able to receive multi-month ART supplies, allowing them to better manage their treatment while maintaining continuity of care. Ma Lu, the Community Advisor reflected: “It was very encouraging to see clients receiving longer ART supplies. This helps them feel more secure and supports consistent treatment. We appreciate the continuous efforts of NAP and health teams in making this possible.”

In addition, continued efforts to strengthen viral load monitoring and integrated care approaches, including NCD-related support will further enhance the quality of services for clients.

Expanding the Role of Community Systems

While progress is evident, the mission also highlighted the growing importance of community systems strengthening, particularly as client numbers continue to increase in several townships.

Beyond Lashio, the need is especially visible in areas such as Tangyan, Pangsan and other surrounding townships where community-based support will be critical to reaching expanding cohorts of clients.

The Chairperson emphasized:“As we move forward into Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8), the role of communities will become even more important—not only in supporting services, but in helping expand access and ensuring continuity of care.”

Looking Ahead: GC8 and Sustainable Community Engagement

Myanmar’s HIV response is entering a critical phase with the implementation of GC8, presenting an opportunity to further strengthen community-led approaches.

MPG leadership highlighted the importance of:

• Sustaining and expanding peer support systems
• Strengthening community-health system coordination
• Supporting inclusive service delivery in diverse contexts

The Community Advisor noted:“Peer supporters are essential at every stage—from linking clients to care, to supporting long-term adherence. Their role will continue to grow as we expand services and reach more communities.”

The Value of Continued Support

Community-based approaches have demonstrated their value:

• Strengthening trust
• Improving service continuity
• Reaching populations in diverse geographic areas

With continued support, these systems can:

• Expand to more townships
• Support growing numbers of clients
• Enhance the overall effectiveness of the national response

“Investing in peer support is investing in people’s lives. It helps ensure that treatment continues, and that communities remain strong.”

Partnering to Strengthen Community-Led Impact

Myanmar Positive Group reaffirms its commitment to:

• Working under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and National AIDS Program
• Strengthening community systems
• Supporting expanded, people-centred HIV services

At the same time, there is a continued need for partner and donor support to:

• Sustain peer support systems
• Expand outreach in growing townships
• Strengthen integrated and community-led approaches

A Shared Commitment

The experience in Shan North demonstrates that strong health systems and strong community systems go hand-in-hand.

With continued collaboration, leadership, and investment, it is possible to further strengthen Myanmar’s HIV response and ensure that all people living with HIV remain supported, connected, and able to continue their treatment journey.

Join Us

👉 Partner with Myanmar Positive Group to strengthen community-led HIV responses and support people living with HIV across Shan State and beyond.