Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+

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Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+

LHAK-SAM-“A society where all people living with HIV (PLHIV) and affected family members have oppo

Lhak-sam is a non-profit organization which works to help the lives of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Bhutan. Lhak-sam (BNP+), a network of positive people in Bhutan was formed in September 2009 by a group of positive people in Thimphu with the main aim of supporting each other

06/10/2025

7 Things Everyone Should Know About HIV
Break the stigma. Share the truth.

1️⃣ What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system. With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

2️⃣ How is HIV transmitted?

HIV spreads only through specific modes:

Unprotected s*x — when condoms are not used properly or consistently (most common)

Mother-to-child transmission — during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Unsafe blood transfusions or organ donation — using unscreened or unsafe blood/products

Injecting drug use — sharing unsterilized needles or syringes

HIV is NOT transmitted by casual contact such as:

Swimming or bathing together

Hugging, handshakes, or sharing food

📌 HIV is found in blood, semen, s*xual fluids, and breast milk.

3️⃣ Can HIV be prevented?

Yes. Prevention includes:

Correct and consistent condom use

Regular testing

Giving birth at health facilities to reduce mother-to-child transmission

4️⃣ Does HIV mean AIDS?

No. HIV is the virus. AIDS is the advanced stage of infection if untreated.
Most people with HIV never develop AIDS with early diagnosis and treatment.
HIV is manageable; AIDS is preventable.

5️⃣ What is U=U?

Undetectable = Untransmittable
People on treatment with undetectable viral loads cannot pass HIV to others.

6️⃣ Why does support matter?

Stigma causes more harm than HIV.
People living with HIV deserve respect, support, and dignity — not discrimination.

7️⃣ Should I get tested?

Yes! HIV testing is quick, safe, confidential, and often free.
Knowing your status helps protect you and others.

📍 Testing & Support Locations in Bhutan

Lhak‑Sam (BNP+) – Thimphu
📍 Olakha, Thimphu
📞 +975 02‑337687 / 17777197
📩 Message on Facebook: Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+

🌐 lhaksam.org.bt

Health Information Service Center (HISC), JDWNRH – Thimphu
📍 Below the NPPF Building, Norzin Lam, Thimphu Throm
📞 Toll-Free: 202
🌐 jdwnrh.gov.bt – HISC Info

📢 Need support? Message privately on Facebook anytime:
💬Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+

27/08/2025

Over the past weeks, the Lhak-Sam advocacy team reached out to 909 participants through education and awareness programs at Yangchen Gatshel HSS, Wangbama CS (Geney), Central Detention (Male Lockup), and SELISE Bhutan.

Sessions focused on accurate HIV information—modes of transmission, and treatment efficacy, including how HIV treatment works as prevention—and dispelling myths and misconceptions, and empowered voluntary counseling and testing. Condoms and lubricants were distributed, and administered OraQuick self-test, with 100 detainees voluntarily tested for HIV.

We sincerely thank all participants for their active engagement and the management teams for their generous support in making these programs possible.

14/05/2025

Reached out to 150 inmates with HIV and AIDS awareness and education at Chamgang Central prison in Thimphu today.

The objectives of such initiative is to prevent the transmission of HIV by promoting safe behaviors such as condom use and regular testing and dispel myths about HIV and AIDS through accurate information.

Inmates were issued with HIV OraQuick self-test kits to be tested with assistance of Commanding Officer of Royal Bhutan Police.

We sincerely thank Superintendent of Police and Commanding Officer of Chamgang for your generous support. Collectively we share efforts to prevent HIV in the country and address issues associated with HIV and AIDS.

06/05/2025

HIV and AIDS Awareness and Sensitization – Samdrup Jongkhar, Nganglam, and Panbang
A total of 24 awareness sessions were conducted across Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag and the Dungkhags of Nganglam and Panbang, reaching 2,263 individuals (1,083 male and 1,180 female). During these sessions, 567 HIV screenings were carried out using OraQuick self-test kits, and 4,752 condoms were distributed.
The primary objective of the initiative was to disseminate accurate information on HIV, including modes of transmission, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), availability of lifelong treatment, and to dispel common myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Some of the frequently asked questions included:
1. Does saliva contain HIV, since the oral HIV test uses saliva?
2. Are there protective laws for people living with HIV who face discrimination?
Lhak-Sam extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dasho Dzongdag, the Drungpas of the two Dungkhags, and the RBA Military Commander in Dewathang for their unwavering support in coordinating and facilitating the advocacy program.

05/05/2025

Call for Proposal: Consultancy Service for Maintenance and Enhancement of DrukCLM Platform

Lhak-Sam, in partnership with Key Population Organizations (KPOs), is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced consultancy firms or individual consultants to provide technical maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhancement services for the DrukCLM platform — a web-based Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) tool (www.drukclm.com) developed under the SKPA-2 project for strengthening HIV service monitoring by optimizing a digital system that empowers communities and informs health advocacy efforts to improve the health outcomes of service users.
🔹 Terms of Reference (ToR) can be downloaded from:
👉 https://www.lhaksam.org.bt/announcement/
📅 Deadline for Submission: 5:00 PM, 10th May 2025
Proposals can be submitted either:
• By email to: 📧 raipramod70@yahoo.com
• In hard copy to the address below, or
Addressed to:
Executive Director
Lhak-Sam (BNP+)
Thimphu, Bhutan

30/04/2025

Blanket & Bedding Donation Appeal:

Lhak-Sam (BNP+) kindly requests donations of OLD but usable blankets, quilts, dunlops, bedsheets, and pillows to support needy people.

If you have any items to spare, please don't hesitate to contact us or drop them off at our office at Changjalu, Thimphu. Your simple act of kindness can bring warmth and comfort to someone.

Contact: 17338218/ 17854195 (We will come to collect)
Email: lhaksambhutan@gmail.com

Thank you for your generosity and support!

15/04/2025

Lhak-Sam Conducts Successful HIV & AIDS Awareness Campaign in Trashiyangtse

The advocacy team from Lhak-Sam successfully conducted an HIV and AIDS awareness campaign across Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag from 28th March to 10th April 2025. The campaign reached a total of 1,660 individuals (1,039 males and 805 females), during which 2,160 condoms were distributed and 219 individuals were tested using oral HIV test kits.

The program aimed to educate communities on HIV prevention, transmission, and treatment, while addressing stigma and dispelling common misconceptions surrounding the disease. Participants were encouraged to take proactive steps toward their health through early detection and preventive measures. The distribution of condoms emphasized the importance of safe s*xual practices in reducing the spread of HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections (STIs).

Lhak-Sam extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dasho Dzongdag and the District Education Officer for their unwavering support in coordinating and facilitating the campaign.

Special thanks go to Mr. Chime Dorji, Principal of Tsenkharla Central School, and Vice Principal Mr. Kencho Tsheten for their warm hospitality and for providing free accommodation to the advocacy team, enabling the smooth ex*****on of the campaign.

Additionally, on their way to Trashiyangtse, the team visited Lungzor Prison in Trashigang, reaching out to 184 inmates and 19 police personnel and their families. We sincerely thank the Royal Bhutan Police Headquarters for granting permission to conduct our program.

07/04/2025

Lhak-Sam participated in the Nature Health Walk organized by the Ministry of Health to raise awareness about the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bhutan. The walk not only promoted the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles but also served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share in combating NCDs through prevention, education, and community engagement.

03/04/2025

HIV and AIDS Awareness and Sensitization in Lhuentse Dzongkhag (District):
From March 17th to 27th, 2025, the Lhak-Sam advocacy team successfully conducted an HIV and AIDS awareness program, reaching 181 individuals (104 males and 77 females). The objective was to educate the community about prevention, modes of transmission, and the benefits of treatment while reducing stigma and promoting social support to fight against the eradication of HIV/AIDS.
The team facilitated HIV testing with oral self-test kits and educated participants on the correct use of condoms, distributing them to encourage safe s*xual practices and prevent the spread of HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
Although Lhuentse district has a moderate number of HIV cases, it had not hosted prior Lhak-Sam advocacy programs, making this outreach significant for underserved communities. The team conducted the advocacy program at various venues throughout the district: Bhutan Power Corporation, Lhuntse Dzongkhag Administration, Bhutan Development Bank, Bank of Bhutan, Bhhutan National Bank, Bhutan Telecom, Dzongkhag Court, Forestry office, Lhuntse Hospital, Tangmachu BHU and RNR center, Yubja center for Conservation and Environment, Department of Roads, Autsho Hospital.

Lhak-Sam expresses gratitude to the Civil Society Organization Authority (CSOA), Dasho Dzongdag, and the District Health Officer for their support, as well as to the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) Manager for providing the team with complimentary accommodation.

Lhak-Sam is committed to expanding its efforts across Bhutan, aiming for a healthier, stigma-free society where individuals can access essential HIV services comfortably.

Note: The advocacy team tried to reach out to schhol with awareness program but was informed that they had to follow standard protocols issued by Ministry of Education and Skills Development which forbids any external external activities.

31/03/2025

The 29th Lhak-Sam Board of Trustees Meeting at the City Hotel in Thimphu was convened successfully.
The meeting agenda contained updates on the project implementation status, including financial updates. One of the significant discussions revolved around the strategy to ensure that disadvantaged people living with HIV have access to community-based home care, strengthen the organization's bricks production factory to enhance their livelihood, and provide the organization's long-term sustainability through social enterprise ventures.

10/02/2025

Advocacy in Chukha Dzongkhag
Lhak-Sam recently conducted an HIV/AIDS advocacy program in Chukha Dzongkhag, engaging 258 participants (160 males and 98 females) from diverse sectors across 11 sessions. During the program, 220 participants underwent HIV testing using self-testing kits, and approximately 3600 pieces condoms were distributed, contributing to both awareness and prevention efforts.

The sessions provided comprehensive education on HIV and AIDS, how HIV destroys body immunity, effectiveness of ART, modes of transmission, mother to child transmission and myths about stigma and discrimination.

Real-life stories of people living with HIV were shared to foster empathy, combat stigma, and encourage safer practices. The program also served as a platform for open dialogue, addressing common questions raised by participants, such as:
1. Can the AIDS stage be reversed?
2. What is the cost of antiretroviral (ARV) medication per person?
3. How can HIV-positive mothers give birth to HIV-negative children?
4. Should there be more extensive awareness and education on condom use?

If you have any opinions and comments, please write in the comment section below.

The program underscored the importance of community involvement in reducing stigma, promoting HIV testing, and ensuring support for people living with HIV. Lhak-Sam remains committed to fostering understanding, compassion, and action towards achieving a stigma-free society.

04/02/2025

Lhak-Sam recently conducted an HIV Treatment Literacy Training in Phuentsholing. A total of 23 individuals living with HIV participated in the training. Supported by the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM), the training was aimed to empower individuals with essential knowledge on treatment adherence and body immunity.

Participants learned about the role of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART), the importance of staying on treatment, and the science behind U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)—reinforcing that a person with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their partner. Through interactive visual tools, the session also covered how T cells, B cells, and M cells work to protect the body.

By understanding and adhering to treatment, we can break the stigma, improve health outcomes, and move towards an HIV-free generation. Let’s continue spreading awareness and supporting each other on this journey!

-Sam

Address

Olakha
Thimphu

Telephone

02340878

Website

http://www.lhaksam.org.bt/

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