Anutin maps out strategy in Geneva against HIV

HIV/AIDS education, discrimination prevention and universal healthcare are key factors in lowering HIV infection rates, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

He was speaking to a session of the 50th UNAIDS Program Coordinating Board (PCB) in Geneva.

This year, Thailand has been granted chairmanship of the session taking place on June 21-24 at the headquarters of the World Health Organisation (WHO), deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said yesterday.

Mr Anutin said Thailand has been trying to raise awareness about how HIV remains a threat to global public health.

In addressing the threat, Thailand said it is important for teenagers to learn about safe sex and how to protect themselves from sexually transmissible infections such as HIV.

Additionally, Thailand is encouraging many countries to follow in its footsteps by initiating a government-sponsored universal health care scheme that is accessible to all, Mr Anutin said.

The deputy prime minister also stressed the importance of preventing discrimination in relation to HIV, Ms Traisuree said.

“All attending agreed with the country’s goal of reducing HIV infections including ways to prevent discrimination and ensuring universal health coverage for those dealing with HIV,” Mr Anutin said after the meeting.

Ms Traisuree said the next PCB session is expected to be held in Thailand from Dec 13-15.

The PCB was attended by 22 member countries with the aim of exchanging ideas on how to end HIV infections by 2030.

The PCB is also supported by nongovernmental organisations and various agencies involved in HIV health care issues.