Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 9, 2003
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
It is estimated that there are at least 670,000 carriers of the virus in the country, but less than 4% have access to anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment.
This year, the ministry plans to provide 50,000 people with free ARV treatment.
Dr Charal Trinvuthiphong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, said since it was not possible to provide these drugs to all the infected people, only the most in need should be identified. Last year, the ministry provided anti-retroviral drugs to some 20,000 patients. It is estimated that about 10% of those carrying the infection have low white blood cell counts and should not be left untreated, said Dr Charal.
He said the Thailand Business Coalition on Aids (TBCA) should cooperate with the ministry in identifying people with HIV/Aids who need urgent treatment. Ms Ellen Devlin of TBCA said this partnership between the ministry and the TBCA will not only be limited to its members, but also include many multinational companies.
The plan to expand the ARV treatment has not been free of concern.
"Hospital services and staff, especially in the public sector, are overstretched," states the UN-Escap project fact sheet.
Apart from cooperating in health care delivery, Ms Nanda Krairiksh, chief of UN-Escap's Programme Management Division, said the project will also organise home-based care and psycho-social support to people living with the virus.
The project seeks to enable those living with HIV/Aids to play a more active role in contributing to quality treatment and care for the other people living with the virus, said Ms Nanda.
031109
BP031101
Copyright © 2003 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2003. 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, 2003. 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. .