By Pongphon Sarnsamak, The Nation (who attended a 'Reporting HIV/Aids" workshop  in Bangkok in November)

Bangkok,Dec 9 - Don’t be surprised if you get a packet of condoms from a group of teenagers called “Step up with Understanding” - it's all part of a massive campaign to tackle increasing HIV infections among teenaged students.

Initiated by teenagers from Makkasan Pittaya schools in Bangkok, the campaign seeks to raise awareness among teenagers that condoms are the best way to prevent HIV virus infection during intercourse.

“Having a sexual affair with their partner is not wrong but they have to know how to protect themselves from HIV infection," said the group's leader, 18-year-old Supawach Kiewkhad.

He said the campaign began three years ago after he joined a youth camp with an organisation called PATH which provides training and information about sexual education and HIV prevention.

The campaigners distribute condoms and brochures which tell students about HIV infection and prevention. Other activities include lunchtime radio programs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to talk about sex education and other news of interest to tteenagers, and play-acting a story about safe sex between students.

He said the group has received good response from boys and girls but most of them are still reluctant to receive the condoms or brochures because they feel embarrassed at being seen accepting them from the group.

They are also ashamed to get condoms from a grocery store because they are usually kept on a special shelf by the cashier, and people are likely to stare at students who buy them.

“I think it would be good for them if the owner could change the location to sell condoms in a way that is friendly not only to teenagers but to all other age groups,” Kiewkhad said.

Recent Public Health Ministry figures show that in Thailand, over 30,000 people aged between 15 and 24 have HIV, while the rate of HIV infection among teenagers is 8.87 per cent. Many boys wrongly believe that having unprotected sex with their girlfriend is safe.

In Thailand, HIV incidence has risen steadily since the first case of HIV/Aids was reported in 1984. More than 1,115,400 adults have been infected, of whom 585,830 have died of Aids. Almost 12,800 new infections among adults and children are expected to have occurred this year.

In the global HIV/Aids epidemic, the World Health Organisation last year found that over 30.8 million people are living with HIV. About 2.1 million people died of Aids during the past year, and some 2.5 million new cases of HIV were reported. The health agency estimated that about 6,800 people are being infected with HIV every day.
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