Thai-Lao Cross-Border
STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention
Integrated HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive
Health (SRH) Services for Young People in Cross-Border Communities
in Bokeo Province (RAS/5R/209)
The Context
Bordering Thailand and Myanmar
, Bokeo province is at the heart of the Golden Triangle. It is characterised
by a high rate of mobility among its young population, who cross
borders – notably into Thailand – in search of work, entertainment,
family relations and health services. Since many of them are young
people at risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS, Bokeo is deemed a priority
area by the government for a comprehensive HIV/AIDS response. While
Laos HIV prevalence rate is still low (0.08% among adults, with
1,636 HIV and 946 AIDS cases as of June 2005), Bokeo is faced with
the risk of increasing vulnerability. There are 90 recorded HIV
cases in Bokeo among its population of 134,909, which ranks fifth
in the country. Out of the six districts in Bokeo, three (Houayxai,
Paktha and Tonpheung) were identified by the government as priority
areas in need of urgent HIV/AIDS intervention.
The Project
This project is part of a regional effort covering
border communities in China , Laos and Thailand . It aims at reducing
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission in 20
cross-border communities (target population of 10,894 comprising
44% of the total district populaiton) in Tonpheung District, Bokeo
Province through promoting safe sex behaviour, increasing the use
of SRH services and reducing stigma and discrimination against people
living with HIV/AIDS. The project is designed to achieve the following
five outputs:
• Increased capacity
of community committee members (e.g. village chiefs and hamlet leaders)
and health service providers in implementing HIV/STI prevention
and addressing issues related to stigma and discrimination;
• Positive opinions/positions
of community leaders and committee members on issues related to
HIV/AIDS through better understanding;
• Increased awareness
on HIV/STI transmission and prevention, and on the significance
of male involvement in HIV prevention among community members;
• Increased access to
SRH services; and
Integrated STI/HIV prevention into existing
systems for sustained efforts. Update
on Achievements
• A situational analysis covering
two target villages was completed in April 2005. The analysis underlined
the urgency of information and education among community leaders
and members, and capacity building among health service providers.
• Peer educators and village
committee members received training/information on the basics of
HIV/AIDS from May to June 2005 and shared this newly acquired knowledge
through various community outreach activities.
• The local PLWHA network
participated in outreach activities with members sharing their life
experiences with HIV. PLWHA participation gave community members
the chance to establish personal relations and assisted in neutralising
stigma.
• Nine health service providers participated in a
one-month training on STD laboratory diagnosis from 30 May to
26 June 2005.
Official Facts
Site: Tonpheung District, Bokeo
Duration:
March 2005 to June 2006
Implementing Agency: International
Planned Parenthood (IPPF), Malaysia and IPPF Laos Office
Financial Facts
Total Budget: US$100,800 (through UNAIDS Unified
Budget and Workplan)
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