People Living With HIV/AIDS and Their Households: Impact Mitigation: The Need For Strategic Action

ABSTRACT

Background: Thailand HIV/AIDS epidemics have been driven in specific populations from homo/bisexuals through pregnant women, youths and mobile population. Strategic actions for impact mitigation on people living with HIV/AIDS and their households are needed. Methodology: Economic impact of HIV/AIDS morbidity on case (with HIV/AIDS)/ control households in rural Thailand and coping mechanisms was conducted in two districts of Phayao province in Northern Thailand: among 300 households in Mueng district (or active villages) and 300 households in Pong district (or less active villages). Main economic indicators from the historical and alternative simulation with 20 percent decrease and increase in health care to change of historical-alternative simulation was performed. Results: Main economic indicators from the historical simulation showed that total income, consumption and saving per capita in case respectively was 69, 47 and 265 percent lower than in control. From alternative simulation with 20 percent decrease in health care showed negative percentage change of historical-alternative simulation while alternative simulation with 20 percent increase in health care showed positive change. From follow-up studies, action to minimize distress was followed and mobilization of control to case household was demonstrated. Scope of accessibility was created and sustained such as medical services e.g. VCT, OI prophylaxis, ART and specific laboratory support including CD4 and viral load. Conclusion: The studies showed that total income, consumption and saving per capita in case was lower than in control households and increase in health care support was an important mechanism to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS to households. Strengthening the partnership between the communities, governments, donor agencies, NGO, private sectors in mitigating the impacts of HIV/AIDS are potential focus areas for strategic mainstreaming at the household level. The remaining questions are how social networks affect the impact, vulnerability and responses to HIV/AIDS and poverty. The extension of studies beyond rural economy and dissemination of information are essential further actions.