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

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

HIV and AIDS Awareness and Sensitization – Samdrup Jongkhar, Nganglam, and PanbangA total of 24 awareness sessions were ...
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.

Call for Proposal: Consultancy Service for Maintenance and Enhancement of DrukCLM PlatformLhak-Sam, in partnership with ...
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

Blanket & Bedding Donation Appeal:Lhak-Sam (BNP+) kindly requests donations of OLD but usable blankets, quilts, dunlops,...
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!

Lhak-Sam Conducts Successful HIV & AIDS Awareness Campaign in TrashiyangtseThe advocacy team from Lhak-Sam successfully ...
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 sexual practices in reducing the spread of HIV and other sexually 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.

Lhak-Sam participated in the Nature Health Walk organized by the Ministry of Health to raise awareness about the alarmin...
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.

HIV and AIDS Awareness and Sensitization in Lhuentse Dzongkhag (District):From March 17th to 27th, 2025, the Lhak-Sam ad...
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 sexual practices and prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually 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.

The 29th Lhak-Sam Board of Trustees Meeting at the City Hotel in Thimphu was convened successfully. The meeting agenda c...
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.

Advocacy in Chukha DzongkhagLhak-Sam recently conducted an HIV/AIDS advocacy program in Chukha Dzongkhag, engaging 258 p...
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.

Lhak-Sam recently conducted an HIV Treatment Literacy Training in Phuentsholing. A total of 23 individuals living with H...
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

Lhak-Sam's Outreach Initiative: Expanding Access to HIV Testing in ThimphuLhak-Sam's Outreach Department has made signif...
27/12/2024

Lhak-Sam's Outreach Initiative: Expanding Access to HIV Testing in Thimphu

Lhak-Sam's Outreach Department has made significant strides in promoting public health by tirelessly conducting HIV testing using oral self-test kits in key hotspots of Thimphu. This initiative, focusing on vulnerable groups and youth, highlights the importance of early detection and prevention in combating HIV.

The testing activities targeted areas where vulnerable populations are known to gather, including:
1. Workshop area in Olakha
2. Snooker halls in Olakha
3. Bars in Olakha
4. Bars in Changjiji
5. Gathering spots near Changjiji Theatre
6. Homes (via home visits and tests)

Over a span of four weeks, a total of 236 individuals (182 males and 54 females) were tested. This initiative also distributed 1,690 condoms and 720 lubricants to at-risk groups, emphasizing the dual focus on testing and prevention.

The Importance of HIV Testing
Regular and accessible HIV testing is a cornerstone of effective prevention strategies. By enabling individuals to know their status, Lhak-Sam empowers them to make informed decisions about their health. Testing initiatives like this are critical in breaking the chain of transmission, reducing stigma, and ensuring that individuals who test positive can access timely care and support.

Through these efforts, Lhak-Sam demonstrates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Bhutan’s vulnerable populations, fostering a healthier and more informed society.

Address

Olakha
Thimphu

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