2023-11-30 16:24:31
Youth Urged to Lead the Charge in World AIDS Day Campaign
Dr. Thongchai Keerati Hatthayakorn, Acting Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, has announced that December 1st is recognized as World AIDS Day by the World Health Organization. This annual event aims to raise awareness about AIDS prevention and to promote acceptance and understanding of people living with HIV around the world.
This year’s campaign, themed “Let Communities Lead,” emphasizes the importance of participation from all sectors in supporting communities, organizations, and groups. Dr. Thongchai highlighted the crucial role that youth play in raising awareness about prevention and driving efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic.
According to the Department of Disease Control, the HIV situation in Thailand is particularly concerning among the youth population. It is estimated that in 2022, 9,230 new cases of HIV infections will emerge, with 4,379 of these occurring in the age group of 15-24 years. Unsafe sex is cited as the leading cause of new infections, with condom usage among this demographic being alarmingly low.
In response to these alarming statistics, the Department of Disease Control, along with its network partners, is striving to provide comprehensive prevention, examination, and care services to all target groups, especially the youth. The agency has called on the public, particularly young individuals, to actively participate in the campaign to normalize the use of condoms.
Under the slogan “Keep condoms handy, use them every time, with everyone, every channel,” the Department of Disease Control encourages the public to access free condoms at government health services and civil society organizations nationwide. Additionally, free HIV testing is available to all Thai citizens twice a year at any hospital covered under National Health Insurance.
In observance of World AIDS Day 2023, the Department of Disease Control has enlisted the collaboration of the Youth Institute of Thailand and the Children and Youth Council of Thailand to bolster the campaign’s outreach efforts. These organizations will play a vital role in spreading campaign messages across the country to highlight the importance of prevention and the normalization of condom usage and HIV testing.
To support the initiative, the public is urged to share and disseminate campaign messages on social media platforms. For more information and resources, individuals can follow campaign activities on the Facebook fan page of the Division of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
The campaign aims to unite all sectors in a collective effort to combat AIDS and promote a healthier society. For further inquiries, the Department of Disease Control hotline can be reached at 1422.
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Information from: Division of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Risk Communication Office, Department of Disease Control
November 30, 2023]
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