2023-11-27 19:38:00
Community Networks Come Together to End HIV Epidemic in Thailand
In a recent report released on 28th November 2023, it was revealed that Thailand is seeing an increase in the HIV epidemic among vulnerable populations, including LGBQI+ individuals, drug users, sex workers, youth groups, and migrant populations. In response to this concerning trend, community networks have come together to organize services aimed at reaching these groups and helping Thailand achieve its goal of ending the AIDS problem by 2030.
The United Nations AIDS Program (UNAIDS) has raised the slogan “Let Communities Lead: It’s time for communities to lead the way towards ending AIDS” this year, highlighting the crucial role that community involvement plays in addressing the HIV epidemic.
The strength and determination of community networks working on HIV from across the country were on display on 24th November when they gathered to advocate for the importance of communities in the public health system. These efforts are seen as vital in helping Thailand put an end to the AIDS problem.
Thailand has been widely accepted as an international model for people living with HIV to support each other. The “Friends Help Friends Group,” established in 1995, has evolved into a holistic center that works in collaboration with hospitals to provide support to infected individuals. Currently, there are 219 groups working at the holistic center, showcasing the success of community-led initiatives in HIV response.
Surang Chanyam, Chairman of the Board of the NGO AIDS (KPO) and Director of the SWING Friends of Service Workers Foundation, emphasized the readiness of the community sector to help the government and international agencies in addressing the AIDS problem. However, he also pointed out the legal and policy obstacles that hinder their efforts and called for clarity and acceptance of the community sector’s role in the health system.
Patchara Benjarattanaporn, Director of UNAIDS Thailand, echoed the importance of community leadership in Thailand and emphasized the need for support and funding for community-led health services to address the needs of those who currently lack access to the general health system.
Dr. Praphan Panupak, Professor Emeritus and Senior Advisor on Research and Policy at the Institute for HIV Research and Innovation, expressed hope that Thailand can achieve its goal of ending the AIDS problem within the next 7 years. He emphasized the need for increased investment in community organizations and support from all sectors to help Thailand truly end AIDS.
In addition, Dr. Praphan emphasized the importance of focusing on the general population for HIV testing and prevention, calling for every Thai person to be tested for AIDS at least once in their life, regardless of their high-risk group status.
The community-led initiatives and the collaboration between community networks, government agencies, and international organizations show promise in addressing the growing HIV epidemic in Thailand and working towards achieving the goal of ending the AIDS problem by 2030.]
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