MPG recently conducted a comprehensive training for project staff in preparation for the implementation of the World Food Programme (WFP)-supported food assistance initiative for people living with HIV and other vulnerable communities.

The training, held on 10 July 2026 in Yangon, brought together project teams to ensure they are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to deliver high-quality, community-led services. 

MPG expresses its sincere appreciation to the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) for its continued partnership and commitment to improving nutrition and health outcomes for communities affected by HIV and tuberculosis. Through this collaboration, critical food support is made available to those who need it most.

Building Staff Readiness Before Service Delivery

Recognizing that strong service delivery starts with well-prepared staff, the training focused on strengthening both technical capacity and ethical standards before implementation begins.

Participants engaged in sessions on:

• The importance of nutrition in supporting treatment adherence
• Beneficiary selection and prioritization based on vulnerability
• Safe, accountable, and inclusive service delivery (including PSEA and gender equity)
• Proper documentation, reporting, and monitoring systems
• Community engagement and communication approaches

By investing in staff preparation, MPG aims to ensure that assistance is not only delivered efficiently, but also with consistency, transparency, and respect for every individual.

Nutrition Support: A Foundation for Health and Hope

During the training, participants reaffirmed that nutrition plays a vital role in enabling people living with HIV to maintain treatment adherence and improve overall well-being. Without adequate nutrition, individuals face increased challenges in continuing treatment and maintaining their health.

The WFP-supported initiative is expected to provide monthly food assistance to approximately 4,800 individuals, with targeted support for the most vulnerable groups across five townships in Yangon.

This support goes beyond food provision—it contributes to restoring strength, stability, and hope for individuals and families facing daily challenges.

Strengthening Partnership and Global Commitment

A representative from WFP joined the training and shared insights on the organization’s global mandate and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing zero hunger, improved nutrition, and support for vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV and those affected by tuberculosis.

The session reinforced the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable, community-led health outcomes and highlighted how local implementation contributes to global commitments.

Delivering Services with Dignity, Respect, and Accountability

A core message of the training was that food assistance must be delivered in a way that protects dignity and builds trust.

Staff were reminded to:

• Prioritize support based on need and vulnerability
• Maintain strict confidentiality of personal information
• Ensure zero tolerance for exploitation, abuse, or informal payments
• Provide accessible channels for feedback and complaints

The training emphasized that every interaction with community members matters. Food assistance is not only about meeting immediate needs it is about strengthening trust and ensuring that services are delivered with respect and care.

Leadership Reflections

Mrs. Thawdar Kyaw, the Chairperson of MPG, highlighted the importance of responsibility and compassion in service delivery:

“This training reminds us that our role is not only to deliver support, but to do so with fairness, transparency, and respect. Every package we deliver represents our commitment to people’s dignity and well-being.”

Dr. Sai Htun Lin, the Executive Director of MPG, emphasized the value of preparation and teamwork:

“We believe that strong services begin with strong staff. By investing in this training, we are ensuring that our teams are ready to deliver support responsibly, protect the rights of communities, and build lasting trust. Together with UN WFP, we are not only delivering food—we are strengthening hope and resilience.”

Moving Forward Together

MPG remains committed to strengthening community-led responses through partnerships, capacity building, and continuous learning.

With the support of WFP and the dedication of MPG staff, the upcoming food assistance activities will contribute to improved health outcomes, stronger treatment adherence, and a more dignified life for PLHIV and vulnerable communities.

“Food is the support. Respect is our promise.”

MPG project staff participate in the training session on WFP-supported food assistance, Yangon, July 2026.

A representative from WFP shares insights on nutrition, SDGs, and global commitments during the training.

MPG staff engage in group discussions on service delivery, accountability, and community engagement.

MPG Chairperson provides opening remarks at the beginning of training session.

Group photo of MPG staff and facilitators following the completion of the training.