In the early 1990s, the Government of Thailand launched a campaign to reduce the country's HIV infection rate. Despite the campaign's success, however, HIV/AIDS continues to threaten the Thai people, especially the rural poor in the south and northeast areas of the country where fear of stigma and discrimination discourages residents from seeking help. Today, over 30,000 new cases of HIV are reported each year, and over 4,000 children are born each year with the illness.



In response to this need, CRS is supporting the efforts of the Catholic Committee on AIDS (CCA) in Thailand. CCA coordinates and supports the HIV/AIDS activities of 35 agencies, and has been recognized for its preventive efforts, and for its care and support services for orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS. CRS also works with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Thailand.



Our Work at a Glance:



Although CCA has been successful in its HIV/AIDS work, it still faces two key challenges: improving the quality of its services and coordinating its members' activities. Through 2004, CRS Thailand is working with CCA to help them improve coordination, communication, and advocacy within its member organizations, as well as improve coordination between the Thai Government, non-governmental organizations, and other faith-based organizations engaged in HIV/AIDS work.



CRS also manages a microfinance program in the northeastern part of the country. The 15 year-old Small Enterprise Development Company in Surin provides low-interest loans to approximately 11,000 poor households, helping these people to launch or expand businesses.