The AIS Activity thrives to scale-up HIV services in Myanmar for key populations at higher risk of HIV transmission. Among the populations at risk, the AIS activity implements tailored programs for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) to increase prevention and linkage to care. AIS partner Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN) organizes regular HIV information sharing sessions for local communities and PWID in areas most affected by injecting-drug consumption. This month, AHRN provided an antiretroviral therapy (ART) awareness session in their Waikha clinic and  Bhamo clinic in Kachin State, in line with COVID-19 sanitary guidelines. Around 15 PWID and clients enrolled on methadone attended the session. AHRN also proceeded to discard used methadone bottles according to the waste disposal procedure. 

       Harm reduction is a key component of HIV services as it caters to people who inject drugs, one of the key populations at higher risk of HIV, which are often marginalized and hard to reach. Regular awareness sessions increase prevention and linkage to care in AIS partners facilities to reach the AIS objectives.