The uses of epidemiologic and public health approaches for HIV/AIDS control among young men in the Royal Thai Army and Thailand

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effectiveness of HIV/AIDS control in Thailand is well recognized internationally and is due to the perception of national threat, the acknowledgement of the policy-makers, the efficient mechanisms of management at all levels, the relevant counter-measures and plans, the sustained commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the total mobilization of all sectors of the country to deal with the problems. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the RTA Medical Department (RTAMD) have significant roles in solving the HIV/AIDS problems by partnering in the threat assessment, surveillance among conscripts to monitor HIV spread and control it effectively, research on behavioral risks leading to the development of targeted intervention models first piloted with conscripts and later adapted for other risk groups, providing care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PWA) and cooperation with civilian and international partners. Factors that have contributed to the success of the RTA's operations include the strong organizational infrastructure and management, the relevant strategies and measures, the determination for long-term commitment and total mobilization of resources and multi-sectoral coordination. The lessons learned from the RTA's experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and impact alleviation, especially by epidemiologic and public health approaches, can be used as a basis for further development towards more effective and efficient models. It can also be a useful example for other agencies in Thailand and other countries with the same problems and similar socio-cultural backgrounds to apply and adapt for their own uses.KEY WORDS: HIV/AIDS, Thailand, Public health, Epidemiology, Royal Thai Army, Young men.Actuaciones epidemiológicas y de salud pública para el control del VIH / SIDA entre los hombres jóvenes en Tailandia y el Real Ejército de Tailandia RESUMEN La eficacia del control del VIH/SIDA en Tailandia es bien conocida a nivel internacional y se debe a la percepción de amenaza nacional, el reconocimiento de los encargados de formular las medidas políticas a adoptar, los mecanismos eficientes de gestión a todos los niveles, las correspondientes contramedidas y planes, el desarrollo sostenido del compromiso en la lucha contra el VIH/SIDA y la movilización total de todos los sectores del país para hacer frente a este problema. El Ejército Real Tailandés (RTA) y el Departamento Médico del RTA (RTAMD) han desarrollado un papel importante en la solución de los problemas del VIH/SIDA mediante la evaluación de la amenaza, la vigilancia sobre los soldados para controlar la propagación del VIH y su control de manera efectiva, la investigación sobre comportamientos de riesgo, que propicien al desarrollo de modelos de intervención, dirigidos primero a los soldados y más tarde adaptado para otros grupos de riesgo, proporcionando atención y apoyo a las personas que viven con el VIH/ SIDA (PVVS) y la cooperación con entiddaes civiles e internacionales. Los factores que han contribuido al éxito de las operaciones de la R...

Prevalence of HIV infection and related risk factors among young Thai men between 2010 and 2011

“…[19] Young Thai men, conscripted in the Royal Thai Army (RTA) aged 17 to 29 years, represent a national population of young Thai men as a sample. [9,20] We determined the prevalence of HIV infection and related risk factors among newly inducted young Thai men conscripted in the RTA nationwide in the November 2010 and May 2011 rounds. Data from the total survey could provide essential information to monitor HIV infection including associated risk factors that would be vital to fine-tuning and developing national HIV prevention programs in the country.…”

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ultrasound Surveillance for Cholangiocarcinoma in an Endemic Area of Thailand

“…Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ultrasound Surveillance for Cholangiocarcinoma in an Endemic Area of Thailand imaging tool that can detect small cancerous lesions, and allow diagnosis and treatment early in disease progression. Ultrasound is generally harmless because there is no radiation, while having an accuracy of up to 84% in diagnosing CCA (Saengdidtha, 2015). It is an inexpensive surveillance tool for CCA when compared to other imaging methods and has proved to provide survival benefits.…”

Risk of HIV/STIs among Muslim army conscripts in the three deep southern provinces of Thailand

“…They are predominantly young, single, and sexually active men. 6 , 8 , 10 The three southernmost provinces of Thailand, namely, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, have a higher proportion of army conscripts than other parts of Thailand due to unrest. The sectarian violence that has occurred since 2004 in this area has left approximately 5600 dead and 10 000 injured.…”