Lhak-sam-bhutan-network-of-people-living-with-hiv

about us

Lhak-Sam, which translates to altruism, embodies the principle of selflessly considering others before oneself. Established in 2010, Lhak-Sam is the sole Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (BNP+) registered under the Civil Society Organization Authority (CSOA) of Bhutan.

On October 8th, 2009, eight PLHIV (four males and four females) residing in the city convened for the inaugural coordination meeting in Thimphu. During these gatherings, a rule was established to keep the meeting room door tightly shut, communicate in hushed tones, and remain vigilant for potential eavesdroppers. Our actions were driven by our own fears and preconceptions.

News and updates

Our objective and values

W e strive to create and promote a strong support system based on solidarity, social networking and people’s participation for addressing and taking collective action towards effective response to HIV and AIDS and its negative impact.

More about us Get in touch

News & updates

Policy advocacy

April 13, 2023

Lhak-Sam with funding support from Helvetas Bhutan under project "Nyamdrel" successfully hosted a 3-day program [...]

Advocacy in action

April 13, 2023

ABC: Abstinence, Being faithful to your partner and Condom use is the easiest way to [...]

Comment by Druk Horticulture Pvt. Lt

April 13, 2023

The Druk Horticulture Pvt. Ltd team would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude [...]

HIV advocacy

April 13, 2023

Reason behind people not coming forward to test for HIV: 1. Although, stigma and discrimination [...]

Laptop donation

March 13, 2023

Mr. Yee Liang, we are so grateful to you for your generosity in kindly contributing [...]

our work

Advocacy and Representation

Represent for the legitimate interest and rights of PLHIV and their children, and that of the key affected populations (KAPs) at various levels, engage actively with the like-minded partners and individuals, and influence policies, programs, procedures and legislation that creates barrier to access to vital health services, violates human rights, and meaningful livelihood.

cARE AND SUPPORT

Adequately inform, educate and enhance the social complete knowledge on HIV and AIDS, and prevention, diagnostics, and treatment services. Empower constant precautionary practices, and encourage and improve regular services seeking behavior, and facilitate linkage/accompany to the needful services while ensuring services providers are sensitized, trained and are confident to deliver services that are nonjudgmental and discriminatory.

Stigma Reduction and Social Inclusion

Challenge and reduce the prevailing social fear, stigma and discrimination of AIDS through regular information and education programs which are based on the scientific facts, and real life experiences, and decrease self-stigma and isolation among the PLHIV and their children by building self-esteem and confidence through peer-counseling, treatment literacy, and self-help group programs.

STRATEGIC INFORMATION AND Research

Generate and effectively utilize the evidences for evidence-based planning of organizational and national HIV response programs, and use it meaningfully as evidences to advocate for changing the policies, laws and procedures that creates barrier to services, including social welfare and economic empowerment schemes.

ENSURING Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

Increase financial capacity and ensure sustainability of the organization through various means of resource mobilization methods, including through income generation activities, institution of endowment fund and efficient use of the available resources. Strengthen the relations with the existing allies and donor by proving trustworthiness, and further network to explore new collaboration and partnership.

Capacity Building and Empowerment

Build the capacity and enhance competency of the committed PLHIV, and the secretariat staffs for the systematic and efficient functioning of the organization’s mission and to foster leadership for meaningful engagement in policy dialogue, programs, collaboration and resource mobilization to further strengthen community-led initiatives, self-reliance, self-determination, and resilience.

enhancing access to community-based care, shelter, and livelihood opportunities

Ensure that the disadvantaged PLHIV and their children finding difficulty to live in their place of residence due to stigma and discrimination, and those abandoned by their family members has access to meaningful community-based care, shelter, and livelihood facilities at the Lhak-Sam Livelihood Centre.