Following the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne in July, ICAP sponsored a symposium in Yangon, Myanmar to share updates from the conference and discuss the most recent advances in the global effort against HIV.

Hosted in partnership with the University of Medicine #1, the event was attended by over 120 medical students and faculty, as well as public health experts. Speakers included Prof. Thet Khaing Win, rector of the University of Medicine 1; ICAP director Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr; Dr. Myo Thant from the Yangon AIDS/STD Program of the National AIDS Program, Ministry of Health; Associate Professor Htin Aung Saw from Specialist Hospital Waibargi; Dr. Elaine Abrams, ICAP’s director of research and Dr. Miriam Rabkin, ICAP’s director for health systems strategies. In the discussion that followed, Prof. Rai Mra, president of the Myanmar Medical Association, moderated a vibrant question and answer period with the audience and the speakers.

“With all eyes on Melbourne, this was an opportunity to gather in-country experts, look at where progress is being made, and consider the implications for Myanmar and the region,” said Dr. Khin Nyein Chan, ICAP’s new country representative in Myanmar.

ICAP began working in Myanmar earlier this year, supporting the efforts of the National AIDS Program to decentralize HIV care and treatment services in the country.