About 76,000 people need drug therapy, and an estimated 236,000 people live with HIV in Burma. According to the United Nations website, HIV prevalence in Burma among female sex workers was 11.2 %; people who inject drugs, 34.6 %; men who have sex with men, 22.3 %; and pregnant women, 0.96 %.
Global Fund, a major donor, plans to grant Burma US $51.9 million for combating HIV/AIDS between 2011 and 2015, but the amount is expected to drop in 2013, sources said. The average monthly cost for ART drugs is about 30,000 kyat (about US $30). HIV patients who need complementary medicine must spend 300,000 kyat per month. Meanwhile, the Burmese government provides minimal treatment to AIDs patients and is also experiencing a serious shortage of funds. “The government can provide patients with services conducted by experts, specialists and nurses. Their knowledge and services are the main support,” said Sid Naing. Earlier this year, Health Minister Pe Thet Khin told Parliament that his ministry needed 8 billion kyat per year to provide its services, but received 3.5 billion kyat.