Bangkok--11 Apr--Department of Disease Control
Khun Wittaya Boorana, minister of Public health, voiced his concern for two problems facing the country, sexually transmitted diseases including Aids and unwanted pregnancies, particularly among migrant workers. Currently, as many as 1,335,155 citizens of neighboring countries have been granted temporary work visas in accordance with a Cabinet Resolution enacted in 2010. Among this group there is a high HIV infection rate caused by unprotected sexual relations and limited healthcare.
The Ministry of Health has long realized how important it is to prevent and alleviate sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. It therefore initiated the “Getting to Zero” strategy to eradicate these diseases within five years (2012-2016). The strategy’s goals include achieving not a single new case of HIV infection, not a single death caused by Aids, and eradication of sexually transmitted infections, all within five years. At the same time, the ministry will focus on developing improved diagnostic and healthcare methods for sexually transmitted diseases as well as work to encourage those persons in high risk groups to go for testing and, if necessary, proper care at any government hospital or clinic nationwide.
On 15 March 2012, at a seminar under the theme, “MPVCT and TL Innovation…Getting to Zero” held at the Tawana Hotel, Surivongse, Bangkok, Dr. Somsak Ormkhasilapa, DDC deputy director, stated that the department and affiliates must develop voluntary counseling and testing services for migrant workers (mobile population: VCT) who are at risk and have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, particularly Aids. They must also focus first on treatment literacy (TL). This is the only way to convince those in high-risk groups to come for testing and treatment.
Presently, the Ministry of Health has instituted measures to create public awareness and promote understanding among all genders and age groups. They are encouraged to go for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The goal is to serve around 1 million persons annually but so far, less than half, or approximately 300,000 or 30% of the target, have taken advantage of this service. (This does not include pregnant women or persons already in the healthcare system.)
Dr. Somsak went on to say that as many as 46 healthcare agencies in 12 zones in Bangkok under the Department of Disease Control joined the MPVCT project for migrants, or mobile population, between 2009 — 2011. During this time, the participating healthcare agencies adjusted their services from basic care at the premises to external promotion to attract members of the risk groups, both Thai and foreign nationals, who are normally difficult to reach, to take advantage of their voluntary counseling and testing services. Those who are infected are also provided with treatment literacy (TL) assistance. This year, another 30 agencies located in the 12 Bangkok zones as well as 23 provinces where the DDC has offices have joined the program. The department is also working to develop human resources in more local hospitals to further expand these services.
The Department of Disease Control through the Institute of Aids, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases has set as its objectives collaboration between healthcare workers, consultants and related NGOs to exchange knowledge and experience as well as improve healthcare services and promote the use of the voluntary counseling and testing services to reduce and ultimate eradicate HIV infections among the various risk groups.