A HIV prevention project is being conducted by the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) targeting construction and commercial sex workers, as well as community people, around the Second Mekong International Bridge, linking Laos and Thailand (see JOICFP eNEWS May 2004).

Crossing the Mekong at the construction site

From 30th January to 9th February, a seven-member fact-finding NGO study group, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)'s NGO capacity building fund, headed by Sumie Ishii, Executive Director, JOICFP, visited Thailand and Laos to conduct field observations and meet with concerned organizations. In Laos, the mission visited Vientiane and Savannakhet Province.

In discussions with PPAT, Mukdahan

The mission found that Thai and Laotian local and national governments are focusing on migrant workers and youth in HIV prevention activities, but that infection rates are increasing among ordinary women on both sides of the border. This could be addressed by involving all concerned parties, such as funding organizations, local groups and workers, in HIV prevention campaigns.

Observing community group discussion and training
on HIV/AIDS/STIs in Savannakhet

The findings and recommendations of the study tour will be submitted to MOFA in the form of draft project proposals, with focus on HIV prevention through empowerment of women, written by the group's NGO members.