From June 2025 to February 2026, MPG, together with its sub-sub-recipient (SSR) partners, implemented a capacity strengthening initiative with technical assistance from the Health Management Support Team (HMST), funded by L’Initiative and implemented by Expertise France. This collaboration has contributed to strengthened organisational systems, workforce capacity, and operational resilience—enhancing the ability of MPG and its partners to support the delivery of community-led HIV programmes in Myanmar.
A Strategic Investment in Community Systems
The technical assistance focused on strengthening organisational and technical capacity across MPG and key SSR partners, including Myanmar MSM and Transgender Network (MMTN), Sex Workers in Myanmar (SWiM), and Myanmar Youth Stars (MYS).
A participatory and context-responsive approach was applied, focusing on three core areas:
· Data-informed grant management
· Capacity development of the community health workforce
· Risk management and staff well-being
All tools and systems were developed in close collaboration with MPG and its partners to ensure ownership, relevance, and sustainability beyond the period of support.
Key Achievements
Strengthening Data-Informed Decision-Making
Grant management dashboards were developed for MPG and partner organisations to support the monitoring of programmatic and financial performance.
These tools facilitate:
· Use of data to inform planning and implementation
· Improved oversight of programme performance
· Enhanced transparency and accountability
The availability of consolidated and visualized data supports more systematic programme management and decision-making.
Strengthening Workforce Capacity
Two training packages on HIV prevention and HIV care and support were developed and delivered using an online learning platform.
These packages:
· Provide flexible, self-paced learning for field staff
· Support continuity of capacity development
· Integrate gender, human rights, stigma reduction, and conflict sensitivity
This approach reflects an adaptation to the operational context in Myanmar and enables scalable and sustainable training mechanisms.
Strengthening Risk Management and Staff Well-being
Technical support contributed to the revision of safety and security guidelines and the development of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) frameworks.
These measures strengthen organisational capacity to:
· Identify and manage operational risks
· Support staff safety and well-being
· Maintain programme continuity in challenging contexts
Such systems are essential for effective programme delivery in conflict-affected settings.
Contribution to Programme Implementation Capacity
Overall, the initiative has strengthened the organisational and technical capacity of MPG and its partners in programme management and implementation, contributing to improved readiness to support the delivery of community-led HIV services.
The strengthened systems and processes align with key requirements for donor-funded programmes, including:
· Structured grant management and reporting
· Data-informed decision-making
· Trained community-based workforce
· Risk management and operational preparedness
These developments support the continued role of community-led organisations in contributing to the HIV response in Myanmar.
Partnership and Appreciation
MPG acknowledges with appreciation the support provided by Expertise France, through L’Initiative, and the technical assistance delivered by the Health Management Support Team (HMST).
This collaboration has contributed to the development of systems and capacities that are expected to support ongoing programme implementation and organisational development.
Message from the Chairperson of MPG
“On behalf of MPG, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Expertise France and the Health Management Support Team for their support to this Technical Assistance.
This support has contributed to strengthening our organisational systems, technical capacity, and the skills of our teams. The tools and approaches developed through this support will continue to inform our work and improve the delivery of services to people living with HIV and key populations.
We believe that this investment will contribute to strengthening the HIV response in Myanmar and support improved outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Looking Ahead
In the context of ongoing humanitarian and public health challenges, strengthening community systems remains critical to ensuring continuity of HIV services and advancing equitable access to care.
MPG and its partners will continue to build on these strengthened systems and capacities to support the delivery of community-led HIV programmes in Myanmar.
