Promoting sympathy and acceptance of HIV/AIDS infected and affected children in schools The Case of San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, Thailand By Mr Srithoon Thatun

Background San Pa Tong district, Chiang Mai province 11 sub-districts Total population: nearly 81,000

HIV/AIDS situation in San Pa Tong 3,957 cases of HIV and AIDS since 1989 Infection rate: per 1,000 Death rate: per 1,000 (2,314 people)

HIV/AIDS cases by age Age groupNumber% of total cases

HIV/AIDS cases by age (Ctd.) Age groupNumber% of total cases and over912.3 TOTAL3,

Number of HIV/AIDS affected children per sub-district Tha Wang Prao:19 Thung Tom:59 Thung Satoke:52 Nam Bo Luang:51 Ban Klang:66 Ban Mae:38 Makham Luang:58 Makhun Wan:37 Mae Ka:44 Yu Wa:64 San Klang:35 TOTAL523

Number of HIV infected children receiving treatment at SPT hospital AgeNumber Over 151 TOTAL33

Educational situation 37 schools 8,885 students, of which –832 at pre-school level (anubaan); –4,489 at primary level; –3,564 at secondary level Number of AIDS affected children in school: 286 persons

Life situation of AIDS affected children Many are or become orphans; They face psychological problems and problems in society; They have financial and economical problems

Needs of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS (1) Basic needs: food, clothes, shelter and medical care An upbringing and education that takes their life situation and health into account Skills to live together with other people Acceptance and support by family and the community

Needs of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS (2) Promotion of their qualities, not a focus on their illness Knowledge and skills to care for themselves and other infected people Vocational skills

San Pa Tong: project activities Child-friendly school (UNICEF)’ Child-friendly community schools approach for promoting health, psychosocial development and resilience in children and youth affected by AIDS Promoting knowledge and lifeskills for prevention of HIV/AIDS and of substance abuse

Other activities Promotion of children’s rights Improving correct understanding about HIV/AIDS in the community Strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships (incl. health, education authorities, NGOs, temple) Promoting lifeskills for HIV and drug prevention Care and support for PLWA

Outcomes / results Improved recognition and support for children’s rights among school management and teachers, including the right to education and the right to care and support Friends of children accept and support children with HIV/AIDS, and are in the same learning environment Care givers understand children with HIV/AIDS better and provide appropriate care and support Children infected with / affected by HIV/AIDS are able to learn and be with other children in the community

Thank you for your attention