Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 24, 2005
Apinya Wipatayotin
"We can't say Thailand has achieved success in the prevention of HIV/Aids since there has recently been a rise in new infections. However, we can ensure society understands HIV/Aids properly, remove the stigma and the idea that people with the virus need to be isolated from mainstream society," he said.
Mr Jon said such networks had managed to make progress on several issues related to HIV/Aids. This included ensuring that people living with HIV/Aids got access to medication under the 30 baht healthcare scheme, as well as receiving equal access to medical treatment.
Several hospitals across the country provide counselling units for people with HIV/Aids. Several counsellors themselves live with HIV/Aids, which ensures there is no discrimination when patients seek out these services.
Thailand's first case of HIV/Aids was recorded in 1984 and a few years later the virus had quickly spread, affecting several thousand people. Poor medical treatment meant that many people died from the disease.
Mr Jon said the government chose to try and use scare tactics to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids. However, these tactics failed and the number of people with the virus continued to rise. People testing positive at that time faced enormous social stigma.
Buareian Buddiken, the leader of a group of people with Aids from Isan, said she felt she had no future on learning she and her husband were HIV-positive in 1992. The couple resigned from their jobs as they feared the negative reaction they might receive from their colleagues.
Mrs Buareian's husband died soon after, so she returned to her hometown to start working with the network of people with HIV/Aids. She said she managed to start a new life and met her current husband, who is also HIV-positive. The couple have a one-year-old baby.
"I used to live in fear because nobody provided me with accurate information about the disease.
"But now there are many groups providing facts and figures. Now I can live with the disease because my family understands and is supportive.
"They are willing to take care of our child should I die. However, I'm confident I won't die anytime soon," she said.
051124
BP051105
Copyright © 2005 - 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 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .