May 27, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the national AIDS seminar at the IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.
The 12th AIDS event today takes place and will run until May 29.
The seminar is under the concept of “confidence in Thailand as a leader to solve AIDS problem”.
Exhibition as well as academic works will be presented in a hope to encourage Thai people to realize the danger of AIDS disease.
33 million people worldwide are HIV-positive patients. In Thailand, 1,127,168 people have been infected during 2004-2009.
516,632 patients still survive the fatal disease. 11,753 or 32 new patients per day are expected.
84 percent of AIDS patients are mostly infected due to having sex. In this group, 42 percent got AIDS from their regular partners or couples.
29 percent were infections among homosexual men.
It is expected that 50 percent of the number of new patients will be reduced by 2011.
Dr. Somsak Akasilp, deputy director general of the disease control department, said that the use of condoms would be emphasized to prevent HIV infection.
The target group is teenagers aged 15-19 years who are likely to become infected by the fatal disease.
Premier Abhisit said he was glad to be the presenter to persuade Thai people to practice homogamy.
