HIV/AIDS infection rates among young people in Mon State are increasing alongside the growth of modern entertainment venues such as bars, clubs, and KTVs, raising concerns among organizations working on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.
According to HIV/AIDS advocacy groups, more young people are becoming attracted to nightlife activities and are increasingly visiting bars, clubs, and KTV venues in urban areas.
The groups said the use of intoxicating substances such as “Happy Water” and “Ice” at these venues, combined with unprotected sexual activity, is increasing the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.
“The infection rate remains high. Many young people seek entertainment at nightclubs and bars as an outlet, and high-risk sexual behavior is becoming more common. As unprotected sex increases, HIV transmission is also rising,” an HIV/AIDS educator said.
Although HIV infection can only be confirmed through blood testing, some young people are reluctant to undergo testing because of fear and stigma, according to health advocates.
As a result, some people fail to learn of their infection in time, allowing their condition to worsen and, in some cases, leading to death, the educator added.
Despite the growing HIV/AIDS infection rate in Mon State, bars, clubs, and KTV venues reportedly have few age restrictions and allow young people to enter and use their services freely.
A Mon youth familiar with the local nightlife scene said illegal drugs are also easily available at some entertainment venues.
“You could say bars, nightclubs, and KTVs are places where young people can easily go astray. If you have money, you can get almost anything you want. They do not sell things openly, but transactions happen through connections. That includes drugs and even access to women,” he said.
Local sources said that since the military coup, the number of businesses such as bars, clubs, and KTVs has increased in Mon State through cooperation between business operators and the military junta administration. They added that there has been little effective enforcement against criminal activities linked to those businesses.
According to the latest official figures, more than 5,000 HIV patients in Mon State are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Organizations working on HIV/AIDS issues believe the actual number of people living with HIV may be significantly higher.
The organizations said they are planning to produce and distribute short videos and awareness content through social media platforms widely used by young people, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, to educate the public about the risks of unprotected sex.
