Concerns over rising HIV infections among teenagers in Thailand
The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) Thailand raised concerns over the rising prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers due to unprotected sex. The foundation’s Thailand Country Programme Director, Kritsiam Arayawongchai, disclosed this during a recent forum aimed at encouraging safe sex practices among high school students.
In a broad-scale study conducted by AHF Thailand in collaboration with 25 healthcare centres, 73,081 individuals aged 15 to 50+ were surveyed from January 1 to October 31. The study revealed that out of the 5,116 teenagers aged 15-19 years old, 152 or 2.9% tested positive for HIV.
Another age bracket considerably at risk is the 20-24 demographic. Out of 15,646 people surveyed within this age group, 387 or 2.4% were found to be HIV positive.
Kritsiam shared these findings during the forum titled, To Love is Not Wrong, But Do Not Forget to Protect Yourself. The forum, co-hosted by the Impulse Bangkok volunteer group, took place at Wat Ratcha-orot School and was attended by 500 high-school students. The primary aim was to raise awareness about HIV/Aids among the students.
He further explained that data from the Disease Control Department indicated a worrying trend among young people. The data showed that only 80.3% of youths aged 15-24 used condoms. However, this percentage was reduced to 40% when engaging in sexual activities with their regular partners, Kritsiam said.
“The figures reflect how many youths lack awareness about using condoms to ward off HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the most accessible protection and also the best protection for youth. If they do not protect themselves, Thailand cannot achieve its goal of having no new HIV infections by 2030.”
In response to the alarming statistics, the principal of Wat Ratcha-orot School, Woranan Khankaeng, emphasized the importance of raising HIV awareness. The school has initiated a campaign titled Teens Safe from HIV, which includes consultation and healthcare services.
He expressed hope that the students would spread the message about safe sex practices to their families and friends in a bid to reduce new infections, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, Thailand’s first Monkeypox death culminated in Thailand’s first mishap in regards to this virus back in August this year.
