Condom distribution to dock workers in Mandalay, facilitated by CARE. ©Tom Greenwood/CARE.

Myanmar has one of Asia’s highest rates of HIV/AIDS in Asia. With funding from the Australian Government and others, CARE works with two groups who are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus – male and female sex workers as well as men who have sex with men (referred to in this way as many don’t necessarily consider themselves homosexual).

The work aims to reduce the risk of HIV transmissions and provide support to those already living with HIV, in a country where very little support exists and where stigma around the virus is high.

In Yangon and Mandalay, we work with women and young people to promote safe sex, and to change the stigma around HIV/AIDS.

We also support people living with HIV/AIDS to earn an income, learn new skills and gain access to services including counselling, testing, psychosocial support and medical care.