Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - May 3, 2002
Anjira Assavanonda
The money has been approved for Thailand's projects planned for 2002-2006, said Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan.
Part of the money would fund anti-retroviral treatment for HIV/Aids patients, she said.
The fund was approved at the second meeting of its management board in New York during April 22-24, she added.
The fund was initiated in 2000 at the meeting of G8 countries in Okinawa, Japan, in order to provide financial support for prevention, control and treatment of HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria which have been major causes of death among the poor in developing countries.
Spearheaded by United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, the fund was established in January with contributions amounting to more than US$ 1.9 billion from rich countries.
"Given the country's success in controlling the three diseases, Thailand has been invited to be a co-founder of the fund with support from other Southeast Asian countries," Ms Sudarat said.
Suvit Wibulpolprasert, a deputy permanent secretary for health, has been made Thailand's representative to the 18-member fund management board, she added.
A new body, called the Country Co-ordinated Mechanism (CCM), has been set up to process Thailand's projects.
Chaired by Deputy Health Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, it comprises officials from international organisations, and the public and private sectors.
Dr Surapong said the GFATM board has already approved funding for the first two years of Thailand's five-year projects.
The GFATM board would assesss the outcome of the projects in the first two years before granting the rest of the money, he added.
In the first two years, Thailand would receive US$31 million for Aids, $7 million for tuberculosis, and $5 million for malaria, or a total of 1,850 million baht," he said.
Thailand would also work with Burma to propose a bilateral project to control the spread of the three diseases along common border areas, according to Dr Surapong.
Wallop Thainua, head of the Communicable Diseases Control Department, said the projects would emphasise prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, anti-retroviral treatment for Aids patients, special treatment for tuberculosis patients, and prevention of resistance to malaria drugs.
020503
BP020502
Copyright © 2002 - 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 2002. 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, 2002. 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. .