[Ip-health] Press Release: Demo in Thailand for treatment on World AIDS Day Dec 1

[Paul Davis]

[Largest demonstration of people with AIDS in Thailand history
PWHIV demand ARV treatment * plans to camp in front of parliament until
demands are met *  Thai Govt. manufactures generic AIDS drugs but excludes
from public medicine system - Paul Davis, Health GAP]

Press Release from Thai Network of People with AIDS (TNP+)

Movement toward ARV in the Universal Health Coverage in Thailand
Please contact: Jeeranuch (+66 1-811 8333) Nimit (+ 66 1-910 4884)
                Paisan (+66 1-824 5434)    Onanong (+66 1-838 4233)

(Bangkok, Thailand) It is again coming to the World AIDS Day. Usually,
when it comes to the 1st of December, we will hear lots of messages
saying how many people infected with HIV globally and nationally.
Besides, it is kind of shock to know an enormous number of infected
people die of AIDS each day and each year. It has been about 20 years
since the start of HIV epidemic in  Thailand and that we have lost not
less than 300,000 people who were actually forces of the nation. Without
Government commitment to treat patients, Thailand lose at least 7 people
an hour even though there are effective antiretroviral treatments.

Therefore, we, the Thai Network for People living with HIV/AIDS and AIDS
NGOs will bring at least 1,000 lives to show our solidarity and to demand
commitment from the new government of era "Rethink Redo".

Since the elections, the new government has announced the so-called
"30 Baht Health Scheme" which supposedly covers treatment of all
diseases, but apparently it excludes antiretroviral treatment and
treatment of renal failure.

The minister of health once has said that ARV would be considered in
the universal coverage if prices come down to 2,500 baht. To support
this, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) will reduce
price of triple regimens to 2,310 baht in mid December this year on
domestically manufactured 'generic' versions of essential antiviral
medicines.

That's why we will be there to remind the minister to keep her promise.

Detail of movement.
27  Nov. - 8 am.   Ring the bell in front of the parliament house.

30  Nov.
- 8.30 am Perform religious ceremony "showing respect to the King Rama 5".

- 9-10 am     Walk to the parliament house.

- from 10 am  Wait for the answer from the government.

The whole day, we will have activities called "barefoot doctors" to show the
capacity of PHA who can help to screen their friends and be involved in
treatment which is always seen as doctors' responsibilities and not the
patients'.

We need media attention who could help us passing on this message to the man
of power and general public.

Please contact: Jeeranuch (+66 1-811 8333) Nimit (+ 66 1-910 4884)
                Paisan (+66 1-824 5434)    Onanong (+66 1-838 4233)