HIV rate surge spurs ministry to act
The ministry has acknowledged an alarming rise in HIV infections among Thai youths. Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced plans to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with educational institutions to distribute condoms and provide sexual health education to help curb the trend and prevent further infections.
The issue was raised during a Senate session in parliament yesterday, presided over by Deputy Senate Speaker Gen Kriengkrai Srirak. Senator Parinya Wongcheodkwan questioned the rising HIV infection rate in Thailand and the ministry's long-term strategy, budget allocation, and spending on both prevention campaigns and treatment for people living with HIV, including the costs related to foreign nationals receiving care.
In response, Mr Chaichana confirmed that although the overall HIV infection rate is declining, there has been a noticeable increase among youths. To address this, the ministry is preparing to collaborate with schools and universities through MoUs.
The initiative will involve distributing condoms and offering education on safe sexual practices to prevent HIV transmission.
"We aim to keep new infections below 1,000 cases annually and limit HIV-related deaths to under 4,000 per year.
"The reported figure of 8,000 new cases we see includes cumulative data. We expect the number of new infections in the latter half of the year to stay under 3,000," Mr Chaichana stated.
He added that the ministry will increase access to HIV testing and form partnerships with private sector companies in high-risk areas. Provinces with rising HIV cases include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima -- all of which experience significant tourist activity, he added.
Regarding the budget, Mr Chaichana explained that Thailand allocates approximately 8.4 billion baht annually for HIV prevention and treatment. Of this, 7.7 billion baht comes from domestic funding, while 788 million baht is supported by international contributions. The funding includes 6.2 billion baht for antiretroviral drugs and 1.2 billion baht for prevention efforts.
Out of the 500,000 people currently receiving treatment, over 5,700 are foreign nationals. The average annual treatment cost is 12,000 baht.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
10 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Thai pig farmers raise alarm about possible US imports
Thailand's pig farmers have warned the government against opening the pork market as a trade concession to secure tariff reductions from the United States, adding that even imports for animal feed production pose significant risks. With the US announcing a 36% import tariff on Thai goods effective from Aug 1, renewed negotiations are inevitable, said Sittiphan Thanakiatpinyo, president of the The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand. However, he stressed that any government concession allowing US pork, parts and offal imports would devastate domestic pig farmers and the entire supply chain. The association highlighted the vast production cost differential, warning that cheap US pork imports would collapse the domestic market and force local farmers into bankruptcy. Mr Sittiphan emphasised that pork should not serve as a negotiating tool in international trade discussions, given its high production costs, low profit margins and direct connection to national food security. The association raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks, particularly swine flu, which has never been detected in Thailand. Opening imports could compromise the country's internationally recognised livestock disease prevention standards. A critical health issue involves Beta-agonist growth promoters, permitted in US pork production but strictly banned in Thailand. Despite claims of safety, these substances can cause rapid heartbeat, hypertension, headaches and tremors in humans when consumed in large quantities. Scientific reports indicate these compounds accumulate more in organs than muscle tissue, creating risks even if used for animal feed production due to potential market leakage. The association called on the government to reconsider negotiation strategies, abandoning plans to open vulnerable agricultural markets and instead focusing on competitive industrial products to maintain grassroots economic stability, promote food safety and ensure long-term food security.
Bangkok Post
21 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
HIV rate surge spurs ministry to act
A rise in HIV infections among youths has prompted the Public Health Ministry to act with a plan afoot for condom distribution and education in schools. The ministry has acknowledged an alarming rise in HIV infections among Thai youths. Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced plans to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with educational institutions to distribute condoms and provide sexual health education to help curb the trend and prevent further infections. The issue was raised during a Senate session in parliament yesterday, presided over by Deputy Senate Speaker Gen Kriengkrai Srirak. Senator Parinya Wongcheodkwan questioned the rising HIV infection rate in Thailand and the ministry's long-term strategy, budget allocation, and spending on both prevention campaigns and treatment for people living with HIV, including the costs related to foreign nationals receiving care. In response, Mr Chaichana confirmed that although the overall HIV infection rate is declining, there has been a noticeable increase among youths. To address this, the ministry is preparing to collaborate with schools and universities through MoUs. The initiative will involve distributing condoms and offering education on safe sexual practices to prevent HIV transmission. "We aim to keep new infections below 1,000 cases annually and limit HIV-related deaths to under 4,000 per year. "The reported figure of 8,000 new cases we see includes cumulative data. We expect the number of new infections in the latter half of the year to stay under 3,000," Mr Chaichana stated. He added that the ministry will increase access to HIV testing and form partnerships with private sector companies in high-risk areas. Provinces with rising HIV cases include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima -- all of which experience significant tourist activity, he added. Regarding the budget, Mr Chaichana explained that Thailand allocates approximately 8.4 billion baht annually for HIV prevention and treatment. Of this, 7.7 billion baht comes from domestic funding, while 788 million baht is supported by international contributions. The funding includes 6.2 billion baht for antiretroviral drugs and 1.2 billion baht for prevention efforts. Out of the 500,000 people currently receiving treatment, over 5,700 are foreign nationals. The average annual treatment cost is 12,000 baht.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Thai health ministry to distribute condoms in schools as youth HIV cases rise
Deputy Minister of Public Health Chaichana Dechdecho on Monday acknowledged rising HIV infection rates among young people and announced plans to sign memorandums of understanding with educational institutions to distribute condoms and provide sexual health education. Speaking during a House session chaired by First Vice President of the Senate, Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, Chaichana responded to questions from Senator Parinya Wongcherdkwan regarding Thailand's HIV prevention strategies and budget allocation. Chaichana confirmed that whilst overall HIV figures have decreased, young people now represent a disproportionate share of new cases. The ministry will also collaborate with private companies in high-risk sectors and expand HIV testing facilities. The ministry has set targets to limit new infections to no more than 1,000 cases annually and deaths to fewer than 4,000 per year. Chaichana noted that whilst cumulative figures show 8,000 additional cases, he expects the second-half yearly total to remain below 3,000 cases. Provinces with the highest infection rates include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima, areas with significant tourist populations. The ministry spends 8.4 billion baht annually on HIV prevention and patient care, comprising 7.7 billion baht in domestic funding and 788 million baht in international support. Treatment medications account for 6.2 billion baht whilst prevention programmes receive 1.2 billion baht. Of approximately 500,000 people receiving treatment, over 5,700 are foreign nationals. Treatment costs average 12,000 baht per person annually.
