Responding to HIV risk among people new to injecting in Myanmar

Burnet partnered with Médecins du Monde in Kachin, Myanmar to reduce HIV risk among people who are new to injecting drugs. Together with people with lived experience, we designed practical harm reduction support tailored to their needs.

Myanmar is part of the “Golden Triangle”, a region known for producing large amounts of illicit drugs. Injecting drug use is common in some areas, and HIV rates are high.

Earlier research in northern Myanmar found that people who are new to injecting drugs are more likely to get HIV than people who have been injecting for longer. People who are new to injecting often face greater risks. They may not yet know how to reduce harm or how to access health services.

To respond to this, Burnet partnered with Médecins du Monde (MdM). We worked at harm reduction sites in Kachin, Myanmar to learn from people who had recently started injecting. We spoke with them about their first experiences of injecting and the risks they faced.

Together with MdM clients, we co-designed new support strategies aimed specifically at people who are new to injecting. Participants and researchers suggested practical improvements. For example, more experienced peers could help new clients feel welcome and connect with services.

The group also proposed a harm reduction information “kit” for people who are new to injecting. The kit would include clear, easy-to-understand information about risks and safer injecting practices.

This work showed the value of involving people with lived experience in designing public health initiatives. Their knowledge helped create support that is practical, respectful and relevant.