The Church of Christ, Thailand

Church of Christ in Thailand

Although the HIV infection rate is relatively low in most of Asia, people in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar face high risks of HIV/AIDS.

The situation is especially grim in Thailand, which was the first country in Asia to document HIV epidemics among female sex workers, their clients and intravenous drug users. Estimates report more than 670,000 people in Thailand are infected and almost 30,000 new infections occur each year.

Like in many other countries, the majority of AIDS-related deaths in Thailand happen in people aged 20-44, the working and productive segment of the population.

Church World Service is supporting the efforts of the Church of Christ in Thailand to get the situation under control by preventing new infections and caring for those who live with HIV/AIDS.

Efforts include community outreach and education, care for infected residents, volunteer training, clinic and health center services, counseling, social welfare services, advocacy for individuals with HIV to obtain rights and services, promoting leadership among religious leaders as well as youth and women, and supporting model churches to implement community-based AIDS ministries.

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