Thailand Launches Youth-Focused HIV Prevention Campaign for World AIDS Day 2025
Nearly 700 students participated in a collaborative initiative led by the AIDS Health Care Foundation (Thailand) (AHF), Impulse Bangkok, and Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School, aimed at bolstering HIV awareness and prevention efforts among young people. The event, held at Khunying Bunluen Khrutrachu Auditorium, centered around the theme “SELF LOVE – SAFE LOVE (love yourself is safe love)” and underscores a growing concern over rising infection rates within the 15-24 age demographic.
The campaign comes as Thailand grapples with a significant HIV epidemic. According to data revealed during the event, there are currently 565,598 people living with HIV in the country, with 8,124 new infections reported in 2024. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of these new infections were among youths aged 15-24, a statistic that prompted AHF Thailand to prioritize education and preventative measures for this vulnerable population.
“Creating knowledge and understanding about HIV and AIDS, methods for preventing infection, and receiving treatment should start with children and youth,” stated a senior official from AHF Thailand. “This includes fostering responsible relationships, encouraging testing when at risk, and combating stigma and discrimination. Equal respect for rights and humanity is the most important first step.” The organization believes that individual responsibility is paramount in the collective effort to end AIDS.
Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School, a secondary institution serving approximately 3,990 students, actively embraced the initiative as a complement to its existing curriculum. “World AIDS Day activities this time are activities that complement the curriculum very well,” explained the school’s director, Mr. Narongsak Rakpra. “It also helps students gain a correct understanding of sex education, raise awareness of HIV prevention and sexually transmitted diseases, including unwanted pregnancy.” The school’s vision centers on developing students into globally-minded citizens prepared for success and happiness.
The event featured a dynamic “Talk about Sex in a (not) secret manner with the doctor” session led by Assistant Professor Dr. Pansak Sukrerk, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Bumrungrad Hospital and the host of the popular “Chu Rak Chu Ros” program. Dr. Sukrerk addressed the often-sensitive questions and concerns of teenagers regarding sex education. This was followed by an interactive “Sex Education Game” facilitated by members of the band “YES INDEED,” designed to reinforce key knowledge and skills in an engaging format.
This collaborative effort highlights a crucial shift towards proactive HIV prevention strategies focused on empowering young people with the information and resources they need to protect themselves and contribute to a future free from AIDS. .
