Myanmar opens its door for the AIDS Competence Process
Partner: 3N
From 4 to 8 July, two Constellation coaches facilitated a learning event in Yangon, Myanmar to introduce the AIDS Competence Process to members of the National Network of NGOs (3N) against HIV. 35 participants, mostly People Living with HIV from Community Based Organisations and self-help groups throughout the country, attend the three day event. “This approach is very good because it is a simple process for us to practice and there is not much jargon like outputs, outcomes, etc.,” said one of the participants.
“I saw how joyful and relaxed our new Burmese friends are,” said Laurence Gilliot, Constellation coach from Belgium. Indeed, participants were eager to learn, listened carefully, and actively participated in every session. Participants represented NGOs, CBOs and self-help groups throughout the country working with rural communities, MSM, Injecting Drug Users, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, in Care and Support and access to treatment for People Living with HIV.
Most participants were People living with HIV. Access to Anti-Retro-Viral (ARV) is one of the biggest challenges in Myanmar. The government provides ARV for about 2000 people and International NGOs provides treatment for several thousands of people. “As many as 76,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS,” according to the statistics of Doctors without Borders (MSF).
The AIDS Competence Process can increase the return on investment in terms of treatment, as facilitators open the discussion about HIV and more people go for testing. Facilitators can also stimulate communities to mobilize their own resources and to advocate for treatment. Participants were enthusiastic about the SALT approach and AIDS Competence Process.
- "SALT provides a systematic way for a visit. The A of appreciation is important. No one dislikes to be appreciated. Even plants: a plant that receives appreciation will grow faster than the one without appreciation." said Edward.
- "I did another training in Thailand for 3 months. I realize now that I never had the opportunity to appreciate, only to listen and learn." said Koko.
- "My attitude changed: Now I look for strengths! And I learned it is important not only to identify strengths but also to tell communities which strengths we see in them."
- "This approach is very good because it is a simple process for us to practice and there is not much jargon like outputs, outcomes, etc."
Most participants mentioned they would practice SALT and the self-assessment with their own staff and communities they work with. They want to integrate the AIDS Competence Process in their usual activities like Home Based Care, outreach work, awareness raising activities and councelling. Participants agreed that three days was not enough to master the AIDS Competence Process and invited the two Constellation coaches to come back.
The Constellation is now exploring how to best support members of 3N to implement the approach in their own context.
