The AIDS pandemic, threatened and still threatens to this day, to significantly impede the development of Thailand and kill thousands of people in the process. The first AIDS victim in Thailand was detected in 1984 and now the current number of infected people stands at more than 850,000. If this problem is not tackled, one in every three deaths in Thailand will be AIDS related.
Currently there is still no cure for AIDS, therefore PDA has undertaken the task of disseminating accurate information about the disease by distributing pamphlets, stickers, posters and television documentaries. This information has focused on the prevention of the spread of AIDS as well as the proper treatment and care of People Living with AIDS. The campaign to change sexual norms of behavior in society, particularly that of people involved in the sex industry, young people, and the public in general. Several sex and AIDS education projects tackled the issue through training and peer group exercises in schools, prisons and other groups in the community.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, PDA also trained government officers, district officers, governors and community leaders such as monks, to inform the wider community about AIDS. Training was also organized for employees of private companies to make them aware of the dangers and to de-stigmatize the disease.
An anonymous mobile clinic unit also provided blood tests for AIDS in areas close to red light districts and places of entertainment, so that anyone could be tested in strict confidence and privacy. Moreover, PDA conducted "Condom Nights" and "Miss Anti-AIDS Beauty Pageants" in the most popular sex districts of Bangkok. This provided an excellent opportunity to inform the target group at most risk in society, prostitutes and their clients, about AIDS and distribute condoms and anti-AIDS materials.
Tarn Nam Jai Babies' Home was established in 1994 in response to the increasing number of children abandoned by their HIV positive parents. As recently as four years ago, many other homes refused to accept children from HIV positive parents due to fear of the disease. Located in Bangkok, Tarn Nam Jai provides care for children from birth until two years old. The Home relies on donations from all sectors of society to fund operational costs such as shelter, food, clothing, and medical care.
What else? Further information needed.
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This page forms part of the Home Pages of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) Thailand. The site has been created by Cliff Ogleby with the assistance of many of the PDA staff and volunteers.