Who we
are & why
we exist
Lan Pya Kyel — "Guiding Stars" — was born from a simple but radical belief: that every person deserves dignified, judgment-free healthcare, no matter who they love, how they live, or where they come from.
Founded in 2021 by a coalition of community leaders, clinicians, and advocates, we have grown into Myanmar's most trusted network of key population health services — led by the people we serve.
2021
Year founded
8
Service centers
80%
Staff from key populations
40k+
Lives reached
Founded 2021Community-LedPeer-DrivenStigma-FreeGuiding Star8 CentersFree AlwaysWithout JudgmentFounded 2021Community-LedPeer-DrivenStigma-FreeGuiding Star8 CentersFree AlwaysWithout Judgment
Our Story
Lan Pya Kyel Association (လမ်းပြကြယ်) is a community-led organization empowering key populations through accessible, integrated health services and promoting well-being for all.
Since day one, Lan Pya Kyel has been about guiding communities toward empowerment — helping people take control of their health and future, together.
We believe that hope begins with access, and progress grows through care. That's why we connect, support, and uplift key populations — so no one is left behind.
Born from community leadership, Lan Pya Kyel (လမ်းပြကြယ်) means "Guiding Star" — a symbol of direction, compassion, and strength. Every step we take reflects our belief that when people are empowered, health becomes a shared journey, not a privilege.
Our purpose
The north star that guides everything we do.
Our Vision
A healthy, empowered community where key populations lead their own well-being through accessible, integrated health services.
Vision
Our Mission
To foster a community-led environment by delivering tailored, integrated prevention, care, and treatment services, promoting well-being, and empowering MSM, TGW, SW, and other vulnerable groups through collaboration with key population communities.
Mission
LPK
Accountability
Empowerment
Inclusiveness
Integration
Equity
Core values
Five principles. One guiding star.
01
Accountability
Transparent, responsible, and answerable to the communities we serve — in every decision and every action we take.
02
Empowerment
Building the capacity and confidence of key populations to own their health journeys and lead their own wellbeing.
03
Inclusiveness
Creating spaces where every identity is welcomed, respected, and cared for without judgment or condition.
04
Integration
Delivering connected, holistic care that addresses health across all its physical, social, and emotional dimensions.
05
Equity
Removing barriers so every person receives care proportional to their need — so that no one is ever left behind.
Our journey
Four years of guiding lights.
✦ Founding
Lan Pya Kyel is established
A coalition of community leaders, peer educators, and clinicians come together in Yangon to form the organization. The name "Guiding Star" is chosen to reflect the hope they carry for marginalized communities across Myanmar.
First office opens in Yangon
2021
Mid '21
💗 Services
First Key Population Service Center opens
The Yangon KPSC launches with HIV rapid testing, STI screening, and peer counseling. Within three months, the center sees over 500 clients — exceeding every projection.
500 clients in first quarter
🌱 Growth
Expansion to Mandalay & Bago
Responding to community demand, Lan Pya Kyel opens two new centers in Mandalay and Bago. ART same-day treatment is introduced for the first time across all centers.
3 centers · Same-day ART launched
2022
Late '22
🫁 Program
TB testing & treatment program launches
In partnership with the National TB Program, LPK integrates tuberculosis screening into all service centers — one of the first community-based organizations in Myanmar to offer integrated HIV–TB care.
Integrated HIV–TB care model
🎉 Milestone
10,000 clients reached
A landmark year: Lan Pya Kyel reaches its 10,000th client, expands the peer educator network to 150+ trained peers, and launches mobile outreach units to serve remote communities beyond urban centers.
150+ peer educators trained
2023
Mid '23
🤝 Partnership
Global partnerships formalized
Formal funding and technical support agreements are signed with international partners including UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and MSF — securing long-term sustainability and enabling rapid expansion of services.
Global Fund partnership secured
🌱 Growth
Network grows to 8 service centers
Centers open in Lashio, Taungoo, Mawlamyine, Meikhtila, and beyond. The trans-inclusive hormone-awareness care model is introduced across all centers for the first time.
8 centers · Trans-inclusive care
2024
2025
✦ Today
8 centers & 40,000+ lives reached
Lan Pya Kyel now operates 8 Key Population Service Centers across Myanmar, with over 40,000 individuals reached, 80% staff representation from key populations, and a growing advocacy voice at national policy level.
40,000+ lives reached · Still growing
Impact by the numbers
40k+
Individuals reached
since 2021
8
Key Population Service
Centers nationwide
150+
Trained peer educators
from key populations
80%
Staff who are members
of key populations
Join us in building a brighter sky.
Whether you're seeking care, want to volunteer, or want to support the work — there's a place for you in our story.