Confined Medical Camps Expand HIV Support for Women and Key Populations in Kachin State

To provide quality HIV prevention services to key populations, AIS partner, Médecins du Monde – France (MdM-F) has been conducting Confined Medical Camps (CMCs) to provide critical health services to marginalized communities, including women drug users and people who inject or use drugs (PWID/PWUD), in a safe and inclusive environment. In June 2024, with the support of village leaders, Community Workers, Mentors, MdM-F mobile team successfully implemented CMCs in multiple villages within Kachin State. Camps targeting female drug users in Nat Gyi Kone and Nyaung Kone villages reached a combined total of 21 women.

Participants received essential health information on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), family planning, and harm reduction through interactive activities,and counseling. Subsequent CMCs in Ban Mauk Kone and Myo Thit Ka Lay villages focused on PWIDs and PWUDs and their partners to ensure continuous support. These camps prioritized harm reduction services, including clinical care, while emphasizing gender equality.

A healthcare professional provided mobile testing to a Person Who Inject Drugs (PWID) on June 2024, at Inn Daw Gyi (Gold Mine camp)

MdM-F developed a service provision model to address the issues of stigma and overcoming barriers to reduce HIV transmission and access the health care services. Confined Medical Camps (CMCs) have significantly improved health knowledge, service access and demonstrated the importance of tailored health initiatives in reducing HIV transmission and supporting vulnerable populations. Through collaborative efforts, the CMCs have enhanced health access and promoted harm reduction within the community.