On 1 December, World AIDS Day, the Network of Thai Women Living with HIV registered as a Thai Foundation with the Thai government and pledged to use the funds raised by UNAIDS to build up its organization.

“I am very delighted and proud that UNAIDS is supporting us. We need financial independence and these funds will help us to establish that,” said Srisangwan Pungapeng, Secretary of the Network of Thai Women Living with HIV.

The Network has about 1000 members and is working with groups in different provinces of Thailand to increase public acceptance of women living with HIV as well as their health and reproductive rights. The organization also conducts capacity training for young women,  empowering them to become the next generation of leaders.

Runners participating in Bangkok 10k International Run

“We would like to build the capacities of both regional groups and young women so that we can have substantive gender equality,” said Saranya Boonpeng, the Chair Network of Thai Women Living with HIV.

On 25 October, UNAIDS took part in the Bangkok 10 Km International Run which was organized by the private enterprise, Amazing Field. Around 6 000 runners participated in the early morning event. A part of the proceeds from the mini-marathon – around $US 5 500 was donated to the Network on 30 November.

Runners participating in Bangkok 10km International Run