Pu Su is a peer educator from Pyi Gyi Khin drop-in centre in Pathein.

Pu Su was able successfully to change the behaviour of a friend to practise safer sex, and at the same time confront his discrimination against MSM.

“My name is Pu Su. I have worked as a peer educator for Pyi Gyi Khin’s HIV/AIDS project since 2008. Years of experience and an interest in my work have enhanced my skills in counselling for safer sex among my peers.”

His friend Myint Soe (not his real name) had no knowledge of or interest in Sexually Transmitted  Infections (STIs) and HIV prevention. Pu Su recalled how, after many attempts to build a rapport with him, he was finally able to persuade him to practise safer sex.

Pu Su was determined that Myint Soe must be convinced of the risks of unprotected sex. “I knew that Myint Soe had multiple partners and therefore was at high risk. He had no knowledge about condoms or about STIs or HIV, and he even said that he would have no regrets if he had to die from AIDS.”

To approach him, Pu Su first had to get to know Myint Soe’s friends, before gaining his interest in safer sex and HIV prevention. It finally became clear that Pu Su had won his trust when one day Myint Soe came to ask his help, as he had developed a purulent discharge with dysuria after visiting a brothel. The pain on urination was so unbearable that it brought him to tears.

Pu Su explained to Myint Soe about infections that could be transmitted through unprotected sex, and how he could protect himself, enjoy sex, and be safe. Pu Su also took this valuable opportunity to explain about the availability of voluntary counselling and testing (VCCT) for HIV and how to get tested. Myint Soe was at first frightened to learn that he had also been at risk of HIV infection, but later agreed to get VCCT. And so, Pu Su brought him to Pyi Gyi Khin’s drop-in centre and sent him to the township STD team for a blood test, where it was confirmed that he had STIs but fortunately his HIV test result was negative.

Since his STIs were cured, and with his newly acquired knowledge and skills for safer sex, Myint Soe said, “I have fewer sexual encounters now and I use a condom every time.” He even tells his friends about safer sex and promotes condom use whenever they want to enjoy sex. He has referred them to Pyi Gyi Khin through its network of peer educators.

Myint Soe used to discriminate against, insult and beat up MSM. However, his newly gained knowledge on HIV prevention has not only changed his behaviour to practise safer sex but has also ended his stigma and discrimination against MSM.

Pu Su is very proud of his success in peer education for behaviour change and says, “Myint Soe accepts us as friends now.” Pu Su is right to be proud, as this is a step towards social change that embraces safer sex practices and a society that is more inclusive and accepting of MSM.

With support from the Global Fund, Pyi Gyi Khin has been implementing its HIV/AIDS project since 2011.