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

Home
Bhutan
Thimphu
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!

Address

Olakha
Thimphu

Telephone

02340878

Website

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS BNP+:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Thimphu?