AEGiS-14IAC: Cross countries AIDS counseling network : A new face of intercountry coopration.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Cross countries AIDS counseling network : A new face of intercountry coopration.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12503)

Chaita MR
ChiangRai, Thailand

ISSUES: AIDS counseling services are a crucial element for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Initiated through the government sector, Chiang Saen Hospital of northern Thailand developed a unique program concentrating on building a network for counseling services with the Savannakhet Hospital in Lao PDR.

DESCRIPTION: Chiang Saen District is located in the northern Thailand and shares an international border with northern Lao PDR, From 1988 until 2001 there has been 815 reported HIV cases and 94 AIDS cases. In 1991, counseling services were initiated and a clinic was opened, develop AIDS counseling services and to build a network with neighbouring nations as a means to assist countries in the South East Asian region. Savannakhet Province is in the southern region of Lao PDR where the HIV epidemic is most prevalent in the country with no clinic to provide AIDS related services. Savannakhet Province has reported 298 HIV cases, 152 AIDS cases, between 1997 and September 2000. In 1998, the Norwegian Church Aid financially supported a Suvannakhet team to be trained at Chiang Saen Hospital,Thailand,on AIDS counseling methods and care tactics for people with HIV/AIDS. In 1999, Savannakhet gained the capacity to establish a clinic for AIDS clients at the Savannakhet Hospital and 16 health centers that have already rendered counseling services to 797 people. In the year 2000,Chiang Saen Hospital was able to receive further funding through the British Embassy for building and strengthening a network with Savannakhet.

LESSON LEARNED: For cooperative work to be of high quality,roles and responsibilities must be clear. Responsibility for the project work must be shared.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The successful is a result of the level of enthusiasm and determination of the team of Savannakhet. Collectively, assisting in controlling and preventing the spread of the HIV epidemic in Lao PDR.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Counseling, HIV Infections, Social Support, Disease Outbreaks, HIV Seropositivity, Thailand, Human, Economics

020707
G12503