In recognition of Mental Health Awareness in June, MPG highlights the impact of community-led counselling, reaching over 80,000 clients annually and strengthening wellbeing and treatment outcomes across Myanmar.

Mental Health at Scale: Reaching 80,000 People Through Community-Led HIV Care

Mental health is an essential part of overall health and wellbeing. For people living with HIV and key populations, access to psychosocial support is critical to ensuring sustained engagement in care, treatment adherence, and long-term health outcomes.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in June, MPG reaffirms its commitment to strengthening mental health and counselling services as a core component of a people-centered HIV response.

Mental health support is not a standalone service—it is a key enabler of effective prevention, treatment, and care.

Why Mental Health Matters

People living with HIV often face challenges such as stigma, fear, and social pressure that affect both emotional wellbeing and treatment outcomes.

Without adequate psychosocial support:

• Treatment adherence may be reduced
• Engagement in care may decline
• Individuals may experience isolation and distress

Mental health and counselling services help individuals build confidence, manage challenges, and remain engaged in care—supporting better health outcomes and quality of life.

MPG’s Community-Led Counselling at Scale

MPG delivers a nationwide, community-led counselling system through trained peer counsellors who provide accessible and trusted support at the community level.

Over the past year:

• More than 80,000 clients received counselling and psychosocial support
• Services were delivered through over 100 peer counsellors
• Activities reached over one hundred townships nationwide

This model is grounded in trust,empathy, and shared experience, ensuring that clients receive support in safe and familiar environments.

Voices from the Field

Experiences from peer counsellors highlight how counselling strengthens both service delivery and personal transformation:

“Before, I was impatient and didn’t like to talk much. But now, I can empathize with my clients. This has improved not only my work but also my relationships with others.”

“I am now able to confidently answer clients’ questions. This helps reduce their concerns, and they are more committed to continuing treatment.”

“Now I focus on understanding why treatment is difficult for clients. By working together, we find solutions that fit their lives.”

These reflections demonstrate how strengthened counselling skills improve communication, trust, and client engagement in care.

Client Perspectives: The Importance of Safe and Supportive Services

Counselling services play a vital role in supporting emotional wellbeing. At the same time, client experiences highlight the importance of safe, confidential, and stigma-free environments.

“I felt anxious that others might hear what was being discussed, so I couldn’t fully focus.”

“I worry about being seen at the clinic. It makes me uncomfortable and affects how I feel about seeking care.”

These experiences underline the need for:

• Private and confidential counselling spaces
• Non-judgmental and respectful service delivery
• Continued efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination

Creating safe environments is essential for building trust and enabling individuals to fully benefit from counselling services.

Strengthening Health Outcomes Through Mental Health Support

Counselling and psychosocial support contribute directly to improved health outcomes by:

• Supporting treatment adherence
• Strengthening retention in care
• Building confidence and self-efficacy
• Improving overall wellbeing

A large majority of clients report that counselling has helped improve their health and ability to manage their treatment.

Mental health support is therefore a critical element of integrated, people-centered HIV services.

Sustaining Mental Health Support: A Call for Investment

Mental health and psychosocial support are essential to achieving strong and sustainable HIV outcomes.

Expanding community-led counselling services will:

• Improve adherence and retention in care
• Reduce stigma and barriers to accessing services
• Strengthen community systems and resilience
• Ensure dignified, people-centered care

MPG acknowledges the continued collaboration and technical support from the Global Fund, National AIDS Program (NAP), UNAIDS, Save the Children, ICAP and FHI360.

Sustained investment is essential to maintain and scale up these services across Myanmar.

Leadership Perspective

Executive Director, Myanmar Positive Group (MPG): “Mental health support is a critical part of effective HIV care. Without addressing psychosocial needs, it is difficult to sustain treatment and achieve long-term outcomes.”

“Through our nationwide network of peer counsellors, MPG is reaching communities every day. With continued support, we can further strengthen these services and ensure that mental wellbeing is integrated into all aspects of care.”

Moving Forward

Strengthening mental health support is essential for building a resilient and effective HIV response.

Through community leadership, strong partnerships, and sustained investment, MPG continues to ensure that individuals receive care that supports not only their treatment—but also their dignity, wellbeing, and hope.