TuOPD03 01 Myint Swe

Putting HIV/AIDS on agenda & addressing stigma and discrimination against PLHIV among Buddhist leaders in Myanmar: 

Putting HIV/AIDS on agenda & addressing stigma and discrimination against PLHIV among Buddhist leaders in Myanmar Myint Swe President Ratana Metta Organization

Background: 

Background Ratana Metta, Buddhist FBO, formed in September 2004 with experience and inspiration gained from ICAAP. Draws on regional best practice of Sanga Metta organization in Thailand

TWO main purposes: 

TWO main purposes To provides proper care and support to infected and affected people and mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS at individual, family and community level To prevent further transmission and reduce stigma and discrimination on PLHIV, especially among the Buddhist leaders and communities

Programme Overview: 

CARE & SUPPORT Centre based - medical treatment for OIs and counseling services at its two clinics - referrals for STI, VCT and ART as necessary Outreach - psychosocial support through community and home-based care. Programme Overview

CARE & SUPPORT (continued): 

CARE & SUPPORT (continued) Integrated Approach - integrated Buddhist doctrine and meditation in care and support program Capacity Building - provide trainings /workshops to staff and volunteers for prevention , care and support

Tackling stigma and discrimination: 

Tackling stigma and discrimination - runs “open-to-all” HIV/AIDS awareness raising workshops - organizes to integrate HIV/AIDS education in regular religious training courses for monks and in monastic schools across the country - organizes IEC events targeting reduction of stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV.

Major Challenges: 

Major Challenges The perception of Buddhist leaders: “ HIV/AIDS is not an issue of sangha, it is about the man with worldly pleasure”. The cultural barrier “ Sangha should not involve in discussing issues of HIV/AIDS as it is related to sex and sexuality”. The resistance from authorities “ It will become complicated if a Buddhist FBO is allowed to work in HIV/AIDS field”. “ Talking about sex and sexuality is not appropriate for Sangha”.

Achievements: 

Achievements Bringing together several stakeholders - 9 Buddhist Associations, - representatives from State Sangha Association, - academics in the field of code of conduct (Vinaya) in-country UN agencies- UNICEF, UNAIDS on the agenda to develop and publish “a HIV/AIDS handbook for Sangha and Buddhist communities”

“Taking care of sick ones is same as taking care of me”  Lord Buddha: 

“Taking care of sick ones is same as taking care of me” Lord Buddha One of the quotes used in our advocacy in mobilizing the active participation from township, state and national level Sanga in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation activities.

“ As we live from the donation of household members, we can’t and shouldn't turn a blind eye on their problems”  a monk: 

“ As we live from the donation of household members, we can’t and shouldn't turn a blind eye on their problems” a monk Our work has put HIV/AIDS issue on the agenda of Sangha and Buddhist Associations, and helped reduce stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV in a society where HIV/AIDS is generally considered as a disease of ‘the immorals’ and hence, untouchable!!!

Voices from PLHIV“Monks did not accept offerings from us before. Now, they not only accept our offerings directly from our hands but also encourage us and get involved in our gatherings”.  : 

Voices from PLHIV “Monks did not accept offerings from us before. Now, they not only accept our offerings directly from our hands but also encourage us and get involved in our gatherings”. “ As we understand more about the HIV/AIDS , we regain our courage to face life like anyone. I am now ready to talk to anyone that I am positive if it helps him or her “

“ It (Ratana metta) is like a haven for us as it is even more difficult for us (than lay persons) to get advice and seek proper care and support elsewhere“ (infected monks & nuns): 

“ It (Ratana metta) is like a haven for us as it is even more difficult for us (than lay persons) to get advice and seek proper care and support elsewhere“ (infected monks & nuns) “ As the clinic is close to the pagoda, one would not suspect us for coming to the place” (a nun)

Recommendations: 

Recommendations Ours is only a model of how a Buddhist faith based organization can contribute towards action against HIV epidemic. As such, this model needs to be analyzed, adapted or adjusted and replicated in order to see the significant impact. Mobilizing support and participation of influential persons as patrons/advisory bodies is crucial.

The End: 

The End Questions/Remarks/Suggestions are most welcome.