Malteser International’s first project in the so-called ‘special regions’ – inhabited by various ethnic minorities, and enjoying greater political autonomy – of Shan State’s ‘golden triangle’ on the border with China, Laos and Thailand was implemented in 2003. Since then, Malteser International has implemented health projects, as well as projects to improve the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), control the spread of malaria, and deal in a comprehensive manner with the problem of HIV/AIDS.

This project is the only one of its kind in the whole region that is aimed at stopping the spread of TB and HIV through preventative measures, combating stigmatization, and offering treatment and medications.

Malteser International operates in close cooperation with Myanmar’s national AIDS and TB program, with local health authorities, and with other humanitarian and development oriented international NGOs. Alongside the diagnosis and treatment of TB, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, health education and information campaigns are a central component of the project, aimed at the region’s most severely affected groups such as prostitutes, drivers, uniformed personnel and young people, as well as the broader public. The project aims to pay particular attention to actively involving infected people, as well as members of high-risk groups in its work.

• Reduce the risks, incidence and effect of HIV and other sexually transmitted disease on high-risk groups.
• Sustainably reduce the number of people infected and killed by TB, increase the number of people successfully completing their treatment.
• Secure the population’s access to appropriate HIV and TB diagnosis, treatment and care facilities in collaboration with government health programs.
• Provide comprehensive care, support and treatment for people with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as their dependents.
• Improvement of the equipment and competence of the local health system, and the national AIDS and TB program, support with personnel.
• Support for self-help initiatives for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

• Implementation of health information campaigns to spread awareness on the transmission of TB, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Selection and training of peer educators as well as DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Scheme) assistants for the treatment of tuberculosis.
• Equipment and maintenance of treatment clinics and confidential voluntary testing centers.
• Comprehensive treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS including antiretroviral medication, as well as family and community based support.
• Support for the integration of medical services for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS in the existing public and private medical infrastructure.
• Establishment of a community for HIV/AIDS affected people and their dependents with houses, gardens and livestock.
• Targeted distribution of food to especially needy families to support the healing process and relieve the socioeconomic consequences of the disease.