Despite the rise in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection after the military takeover, raising awareness is under constraint, according to the volunteers who assist HIV patients told Than Lwin Times.

Following the military coup, the incidence of new infections has increased across Mon State due to a lack of HIV awareness programmes.

The people contract HIV through sex, drug injection equipment and HIV-infected blood.

A volunteer says the increase in HIV infection is due to a lack of knowledge and constraints to awareness.

“There is also a problem with funding. Most importantly, young people should know more. These young people do not know how to protect themselves well because they do not know the basics of prevention. Gathering young people together can have side effects. Rising political conflicts have raised concern, leading to obstacles,” he said.

The exact number of people infected with HIV has not been recorded since the military coup but most young people are tested for HIV.

“Despite adequate treatment for HIV-infected people, there is a need for awareness on prevention,” the volunteer explained.

In Mon State, there are more than 6,000 HIV patients taking effective medicine called ART (Antiretroviral therapy), and many are struggling to make ends meet due to a lack of job opportunities.