Deputy Minister of Health Participated in the opening of the international conference “Asia-Pacific Youth Forum” opens a platform for youth to participate in raising the level of AIDS problem among youth. leading to an end to the AIDS problem by 2030
Today (21 October 2022) at Holiday Inn Bangkok Hotel Dr. Satit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of Public Health along with Ms. Siri Pintaruji, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, and Mr. Tofik Bagkali, Acting Director of UNAIDS for Asia and the Pacific. Joined the opening of the Asia-Pacific Youth Forum: Putting Young Key Populations first to end AIDS by 2030 with Dr. Preecha Prempri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control. Representatives from government agencies, youth representatives, and government representatives from 22 Asia-Pacific regions: Thailand, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua Newki. The Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam attended the meeting both on-site and online, with a total of 75 participants.
Dr. Satit said that the Ministry of Public Health has driven the operation on AIDS in various fields including developing innovative diagnostic tests, expanding services to cover target groups especially youth, who are considered as important forces in the country’s development, eliminating inequality, stigma and discrimination, promoting social participation in policy making and providing services at all levels. To tackle AIDS and lead to an end to AIDS by 2030, according to UNAIDS, more adolescents and young people around the world are infected with HIV, while about a quarter of those infected. New HIV cases in Asia and the Pacific are among young people. In addition, according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 20 young people are infected with an STD every year.
Dr. Satit He continued that today’s meeting aims to listen to opinions and give youth the opportunity to participate in the movement to end the AIDS problem. which at the meeting yesterday There were representatives of youth in Asia and the Pacific from more than 22 countries to reflect on problems and exchange experiences. as well as brainstorming ideas to close gaps and solve AIDS problems among youth. Among the highlights include strengthening the participation and leadership of young people in responding to HIV, focusing on HIV program communication/awareness campaigns, gender rights. and reproductive rights for youth; Provide equal and convenient access to HIV services in rural areas; Modernize services; Reform beliefs to address stigma and discrimination in families and institutions. study, invest in the strengthening and sustainability of youth-led organizations, etc. While government representatives participating in the panel has expressed its commitment and presented its efforts to keep the young generation safe from HIV and other impacts. and hopes that youth networks in the Asia-Pacific region will be a key force in driving the problem of AIDS without leaving anyone behind
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