UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
UNODC Projects in Myanmar
:: Demand Reduction
Approximately 70,000 drug addicts are officially registered throughout the Union of Myanmar. Yet, with most addicts hesitating to register with the government (a requirement when seeking treatment) for fear of persecution, UNODC estimates that up to 300,000 people in the country may be abusing illicit drugs. Nonetheless, even with an estimated 300,000 addicts, the rate of drug abuse in
Myanmar is low compared to that of neighbouring countries.
There are, however, two trends of concern relating to drug abuse in Myanmar. First, there is an increasing move away from traditional opium smoking towards the injection of heroin. And second, a rise in the abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), particularly among teenagers and young adults is being detected.
Opiate addicts are by far the biggest group of drug abusers. Data shows that 90.2% of registered drug abusers are addicted to opiates, with 40% registered for opium abuse and 45% for heroin abuse. Opium addiction rates are significantly higher in villages where poppy cultivation takes place, while more urban or mobile populations, such as seasonal gem miners, use heroin. The trend from opium smoking to injecting heroin poses the added threat of increasing HIV infections amongst users.
ATS has a much less dangerous image than heroin. Given their reputation as "party drugs", it is the younger population that is at particular risk of succumbing to the dangers of ATS consumption and abuse.
A complement to supply reduction initiatives involves reducing the demand for illicit drugs within the country. The UNODC Myanmar office is currently running a number of demand reduction projects guided by holistic and community-based approaches.
Myanmar is low compared to that of neighbouring countries.
