March 19, 2025

The Myanmar military regime’s Ministry of Health has dismissed doctors working at HIV treatment centers, citing budget constraints, according to non-CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) doctors.

The move comes as Myanmar faces severe shortages of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs following the suspension of USAID funding for HIV treatment programs.

While the military-controlled health ministry continues to distribute ART medication, supplies have become increasingly limited, raising concerns about long-term availability.

“The drugs are still being distributed, but the budget has been cut. Now, as part of those budget reductions, doctors at HIV treatment centers have been dismissed,” a non-CDM doctor told New Day Myanmar.

“If ART distribution stops, it will be catastrophic for patients,” the doctor added.

The layoffs come after the Trump administration’s decision to halt funding for global HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs, affecting support for low-income countries, including Myanmar.

Myanmar has over 270,000 people living with HIV, with nearly 200,000 relying on ART drugs provided through government-run treatment centers.