Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - April 24, 2001
Achatthaya Cheunniran
Statistics gathered by the Public Health Ministry in February found the ratio was 107.5 patients to 100,000 population.
Boonriang Chuchaisaengrat, the Phuket health chief, said the infection rate was on the rise since 1989.
The latest survey showed 1,567 reported Aids cases in Phuket, of which 1,214 were men. Some 1,048 patients are still alive and most of the patients are between 25-39. Eighty-four percent of the patients contracted the disease through sexual transmission.
Dr Boonriang described the rise in Aids cases as alarming and was concerned Phuket moved past Ranong and Chumphon on the list.
Countrywide, the province trails only Payao and Chiang Mai.
Dr Boonriang said Phuket needs a workshop on Aids prevention, which must be attended not only by medical doctors and nurses but also representatives of all local organisations, including operators of entertainment outlets and producers of pornographic material.
Rabiabrat Pongpanich, chairman of the Senate sub-commitee on Aids, said the media must co-operate on anti-Aids campaigns and urged tambon administrative organisations to work harder to raise awareness of the disease.
About 200 HIV-infected people in Phuket formed the Andaman Friend Club in 1999 to help patients cope with the disease. Activities have been supported financially by the Aids Fund, NGOs and public donations.
010406
BP010406
Copyright © 2001 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .