UNAIDS Asia-Pacific 
There are approximately 24 000 young people aged 15–24 years living with HIV in Thailand. In 2018, young people accounted for nearly half of the 6400 new HIV infections in the country.
Thailand has made great strides in its AIDS response, providing antiretroviral therapy free of charge as part of its universal health coverage scheme. However, adolescents and young people living with HIV often fall out of care or do not receive the support they need to remain on treatment. Self-stigma, stigma and discrimination and transition from paediatric care to adult care are some of the challenges faced by adolescents and young people living with HIV.
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The UNAIDS Country Office in Thailand, with a small team of three staff members, is located in Bangkok. Orawan Bettenhausen, the Administrative Assistant, has been part of the team for almost 20 years. “Being part of the UNAIDS family has empowered and transformed me into who I am today. I have been very fortunate to have had country directors who have coached me, and great colleagues and peers, both within and outside of UNAIDS, who have assisted, supported and inspired me,” she said.
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It is a morning like any other at the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, a civil society organization operating under the umbrella of the Thai Red Cross Society. In a building in the heart of Bangkok, nurses, doctors, counsellors and peer educators are busy with their daily work, providing HIV services for the 200 people who attend the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic every day for medical check-ups, HIV tests and HIV prevention services, including condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
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UNAIDS, PEPFAR, and Global Fund met in September to unite around a shared understanding of the evidence and interventions needed to end AIDS in Asia and the Pacific.
The region has seen a 9% decrease in new infections since 2010. This figure reflects a mixture of success in some areas but at the same time an alarming concerning increase and resurgence in epidemics in other areas. Key populations and their partners represent 78% of all new infections, with a large proportion not accessing sufficient HIV treatment and prevention services. Across countries, substantial gaps remain in the HIV testing and treatment cascade, with only 69% of PLHIV aware of their status and 54% accessing treatment. Read More
PRESS RELEASE
In Asia and the Pacific, new HIV infections are rising in 7 countries. Over three quarters of new HIV infections are among key populations and their partners, who are still not getting the services they need.
Bangkok, 16 July 2019 —The pace of progress in reducing new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific is slowing down, according to a new report released today by UNAIDS. The UNAIDS’ Global AIDS Update, Communities at the centre, shows a mixed picture with some countries in this region making important gains while, in others, the epidemic is outpacing the response and new HIV infections are on the rise. Read More
‘A true daughter of Fiji’ were the words described of the Late Honourable Dr. Jiko Fatafehi Luveni by the President of Fiji H.E. Joji Konrote during the Order of Fiji’s Investiture Ceremony at the State House in Suva, Fiji. Dr. Jiko Luveni was hounoured a Special Award: Global Health Leadership Award. This was received by her husband Lieutent Colonel (Ret’d) Inoke Luveni. The President also handed over the Global Health Hero Award from the World Health Organization (WHO) which Fiji’s former Speaker of Parliament and tireless health advocate Dr Jiko Luveni, had been posthumously recognized at the 72nd World Health Assembly in May. The award recognises those who have championed the cause of health, successfully influenced political agendas, and contributed to raising awareness on health issues globally. Read More
Bangkok, Thailand, 22 June 2019: Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha of Thailand has been appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for HIV Prevention in Asia and the Pacific. UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director of Programme and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Shannon Hader presented HRH Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha with the certificate of appointment during a visit to Thailand, noting her commitment to advocating for and expanding HIV prevention and bringing services closer to people. Read More
Flash-mob videos that reach 545k viewers, engaging social media influencers, vlogs that speak to the realities of young people – these were just a few examples of powerful advocacy approaches currently being used by young leaders throughout Asia to promote the need for comprehensive sexuality education.
In a region where nearly half of the world’s youth live, the reality is that many face early and unintended pregnancies, they are vulnerable to contracting HIV, and have limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. Critical to addressing these issues is the need to ensure that all young people have access to evidence-based, age-appropriate and comprehensive sexuality education. Read More
