Philippines to seek Thai assistance in fighting AIDS

A group of Philippine officials left for Thailand to learn from the Thai government's experience in fighting AIDS. Thailand has one of the highest AIDS levels in Asia and has instituted a variety of public and private programs to deal with the disease. Health Undersecretary Carmencita Reodica, who is leading the delegation, said the Philippines does not expect as many AIDS cases as Thailand. "But if the Philippines does not improve its planning and surveillance system, we could face the same threat in the future," she said. Thailand has a good surveillance program, valuable support services such as mobile clinics, and active private groups fighting AIDS, she said. The group is to meet with Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, who heads the Thai National AIDS Council, and other officials involved in Thailand's anti-AIDS campaign. Thailand has recorded 22,135 AIDS cases and 750,000 people with HIV. In comparison, the Philippine government has documented only 234 AIDS cases in the Philippines and 704 people with HIV. Health officials estimate that as many as 35,000 people in the country are infected with HIV. While Thailand monitors the number of AIDS cases in the general population, the Philippines only monitors the disease among so-called high-risk groups such as prostitutes, homosexuals, and intravenous drug users. Reodica said legislation is needed in the Philippines to support the country's AIDS program, as well as to answer ethical and legal issues concerning AIDS cases.