GAY HIV/AIDS RATES ROCKET AS THAI GOVERNMENT BECOMES MORE COMPLACENT
Posted on April 18, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog
Recent research indicates that HIV infection rates among MSM (men who have sex with men) - gays and bisexuals in Thailand have reached unprecedented levels. There has been a 3% increase in two years. From 28% in 2005, the figure has now dramatically increases to marginally less than 31% in 2007.
On April 15, 2008 — The Thai Ministry of Public Health released findings to indicate the leap in infection rates among the MSM group. However, it is indicative of the low priority placed on prevention and cure in the gay community by the authorities that little publicity was given to this dramatic rise in the Thai media.
Lack of government funding
The gay community has consistently suffered from lack of governmental funding and specific research, leaving the impetus up to NGOs and gay associations. These groups have organized publicity and funding drives, such as the prominent gay pride festivals and other events in Phuket, Bangkok and Pattaya. Pattaya Gay Festival (PGF), for example, organizes an annual festival on December 1st to coincide with World Aids Day. PGF over 7 years has raised over Bt22 million to aid charities and help fund privately run HIV/AIDS clinics, one in particular Heartt 2000 (Help Ensure Aids Rescue In Thailand Together) run by the philanthropic French Doctor Philippe Seur, responsible for tending patients in need. Doctor Philippe has been successful in treating and acquiring anti-viral medications for hundreds of patients, who otherwise might well have died. However, despite the sterling efforts of such NGOs, with insufficient governmental support, Thai gays have essentially been left to sink or swim; and they’re sinking. More of GAY HIV/AIDS RATES ROCKET AS GOVERNMENT BECOMES MORE COMPLACENT
Pattaya Daily News, Thailand -
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