Strategies And Approaches To AIDS Communication In Thailand By

Since the first AIDS case was identified in 1984, the HIV epidemic has spread rapidly in Thailand so that infection rates among pregnant women as of June 1994 were approaching 5 % in the northern provinces of Thailand and 1.5 % nationwide. These rates reflect infections among ordinary Thai citizens and not special, high-risk groups. It is estimated that Thailand currently has about 600,000 HIV positive people, with 8,580 reported AIDS cases, and 2,682 persons who have died of AIDS-related infections and diseases. What is more fearful is that experts estimate that of the current population of 600,000 HIV positive persons, less than 15 % know their HIV status. Similar to many other countries, the HIV epidemic in Thailand is more severe among the lower income population age 15-29. Despite initial reticence, the Royal Thai Government has become a model for the world for openness and resource commitment to figh