2023-06-30 12:00:00
Songkhla Province Offers Free HIV Testing on VCT Day
The Office of Disease Control and Prevention 12 in Songkhla Province is urging people to take advantage of free HIV testing opportunities twice a year on VCT Day, which falls on July 1, 2023. The campaign promotes the concept of “Normalize HIV Testing: Get tested. Free, easy test, check for HIV to be normal.”
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of knowing one’s HIV infection status and to prevent the further spread of the virus. By proactively getting tested, individuals can access the necessary knowledge to prevent HIV infection and receive prompt treatment. This not only reduces the risk of transmission to partners but also prevents the development of opportunistic infectious diseases, allowing individuals to live a normal life with good quality.
Recent data from the 12th health zone in Songkhla Province reveals the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the area from 2017 to 2022. Within this period, a total of 22,705 individuals were diagnosed with HIV. The highest number of cases was reported in Songkhla with 9,728 cases, followed by Trang (3,776 cases), Phatthalung (2,811 cases), Narathiwat (2,075 cases), Yala (1,472 cases), Satun (1,457 cases), and Pattani (1,386 cases). In 2022 alone, there were 949 new HIV-infected cases, resulting in a cumulative total of 19,198 individuals living with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 12, Dr. Chalermpol Osotpromma, encourages people in Songkhla to avail themselves of free HIV testing services offered twice a year at the hospital under the National Health Security System. If the test results are positive, individuals are eligible for free treatment, including immediate coverage of antiretroviral drugs.
Early detection of HIV infection is crucial as it enables individuals to be accountable for their own health and the well-being of their partners. Since HIV infection cannot be identified externally, testing is necessary to determine one’s status. People have the option of conducting self-tests or visiting a hospital for HIV testing, ensuring that their needs are met and normalizing HIV testing.
On July 1, 2023, as part of the HIV testing campaign (VCT Day), the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 12, in collaboration with the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand Southern Sea Regional Office and Songkhla Province, will set up campaign areas at Sai Ngam Temple and Prince of Songkla University. These areas aim to provide accurate information on HIV prevention and encourage people to undergo HIV testing to normalize the process. For more information, individuals can contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 142.
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