HIV Activist Runs for Parliament in Burma
In less than a year, Burma's new government rolled out a series of reforms that have encouraged, even the biggest critics. The release of political prisoners and a promise of more open elections tempt some of those critics of the political arena to close. An old activist is now considering a run for office.
Last year authorities in Burma threatened to close Phyu Phyu Thin the AIDS clinic in a suburb of Rangoon.
More than 40 patients are living in conditions. Most are too poor to pay for treatment, or no other options. And some, like this 20-month-old child, have been orphaned by the virus. Phyu Phyu Thin has spent most of the last ten years helping people like her.
"The important thing now is that many children infected with HIV, and we must do to provide them with support. Number of infections is rising among young people, so we need to raise social awareness," she said.
After the authorities threatened to expel clinic patients, the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi has used her celebrity to draw attention to the clinic, and the problem is put down. Today, Phyu Phyu Thin opening a second clinic to the growing need for care. They even deny a seat in the upcoming by-election together with Suu Kyi.
Last year authorities in Burma threatened to close Phyu Phyu Thin the AIDS clinic in a suburb of Rangoon.
More than 40 patients are living in conditions. Most are too poor to pay for treatment, or no other options. And some, like this 20-month-old child, have been orphaned by the virus. Phyu Phyu Thin has spent most of the last ten years helping people like her.
"The important thing now is that many children infected with HIV, and we must do to provide them with support. Number of infections is rising among young people, so we need to raise social awareness," she said.
After the authorities threatened to expel clinic patients, the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi has used her celebrity to draw attention to the clinic, and the problem is put down. Today, Phyu Phyu Thin opening a second clinic to the growing need for care. They even deny a seat in the upcoming by-election together with Suu Kyi.
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