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Retos y cooperación: activismo de la sociedad civil para el acceso al tratamiento de VIH en Tailandia. Punto de vista.
Author(s) -
Ford Nathan,
Wilson David,
Cawthorne Paul,
Kumphitak Aree,
KasiSedapan Siriras,
Kaetkaew Suntharaporn,
Teemanka Saengsri,
Donmon Boripat,
Preuanbuapan Chalerm
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02218.x
Subject(s) - civil society , general partnership , government (linguistics) , health care , medicine , public health , focus group , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , antiretroviral treatment , political science , business , economic growth , antiretroviral therapy , public relations , nursing , family medicine , politics , viral load , marketing , economics , law , philosophy , linguistics
Summary Civil society has been a driving force behind efforts to increase access to treatment in Thailand. A focus on HIV medicines brought civil society and non‐governmental and government actors together to fight for a single cause, creating a platform for joint action on practical issues to improve care for people with HIV/AIDS (PHA) within the public health system. The Thai Network of People with HIV/AIDS, in partnership with other actors, has provided concrete support for patients and for the health system as a whole; its efforts have contributed significantly to the availability of affordable generic medicines, early treatment for opportunistic infections, and an informed and responsible approach towards antiretroviral treatment that is critical to good adherence and treatment success. This change in perception of PHA from ‘passive receiver’ to ‘co‐provider’ of health care has led to improved acceptance and support within the healthcare system. Today, most PHA in Thailand can access treatment, and efforts have shifted to supporting care for excluded populations.