The Lan Pya Kyel Association (LPK) is local health NGO in Myanmar. Launched in 2004, LPK offers diagnosis, prevention, and treatment services to vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW) in the country under the flagship of PSI Myanmar.
HIV in Myanmar
While the overall HIV prevalence among adults in Myanmar is low (less than 1%), HIV in Myanmar disproportionally affects key affected populations (MSM, TG women and FSW):
- 5.6% - HIV prevalence among FSWs
- 6.4% - HIV prevalence among MSM
Although the prevalence of TG women is trying to conduct separately, international evidences state that the prevalence in TG is much higher than that of MSM.
These communities face a range of obstacles in accessing prevention, testing, and treatment services, including overcoming social stigma and discrimination.
LPK was Born
In 2004, the Myanmar government sought external assistance on HIV prevention. PSI, was brought on, aware that HIV interventions needed to target vulnerable populations like FSWs and MSM. In response, PSI launched TOP and its network of drop-in centers (DICs) with the aim of reaching and supporting the health needs of FSWs and MSM in Myanmar for HIV prevention. The organization changed its name into Lan Pya Kyel Association operating as separate local entity to receive direct social contracts or strategic purchasing of primary health care services from the private providers and community clinics by the government. Another important expectation is that continued engagement of health and human rights issues through participation of community leaders from local entities.
LPK network of 11 key population service centers across Myanmar provide HIV care services via:
- Case management through the cascade care model (assistance from initial diagnosis to optimal viral suppression)
- Outreach to the FSW and MSM communities through peer workers and LPK network
- The 95 - 95 - 95 model:
- TEST: aiming at 95% of community members with HIV receiving HIV testing and knowing their HIV status
- TREAT: aiming at 95% of test positive population receiving ART treatment
- RETAIN: aiming at 95% of people on ART retained in the program for optimal viral suppression
LPK follows a community-led model to engage FSW and MSM. About 90% all staff are drawn from key populations, with the exception of health specialists such as doctors and lab technicians. This inclusion of and contribution from community members has been vital for strategies and successes of LPK.
