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Large turnout for HIV seminar in Rayong
Almost 1000 citizens showed their concern and
attended a recent seminar in Rayong on public health issues, with
emphasis on the prevention of communicable diseases.
After the seminar was opened by Dr. Paisan Theppatiphat, Head of the
Public Health of Rayong Province, he talked about the increase of HIV
infection and AIDS in Rayong. He said that between July 1989 and August
1996 there were a total of 2,157 AIDS patients. Rayong has the sixth
highest incidence of AIDS cases of all provinces in Thailand.
Dr. Paisan went on to say that 81 percent of the cases were through
sexual transmission, with the average age of patients being between
25-29 years. He said his studies showed that the main sufferers were
labourers and blue collar workers. Dr. Paisan informed the seminar that
most cases in Rayong Province (approx. 59 percent) were found in Rayong
City.
In a bold statement that proves he is fully aware of the sources of the
problem, Dr. Paisan stated that both government and NGOs were rapidly
instituting a campaign to encourage men to use condoms when having
sexual relations with women aside from their wives. The Public Health
Department reported that the consequences are harrowing for both the
economy and society.
The Public Health officials also discussed the problem of amphetamines,
the sale of which now carries a mandatory death penalty for those
engaged in the sale of these substances. This will be put into law in
October 1996.
Research and statistics show that there are now 1.26 million people
addicted to amphetamines and related stimulant drugs nation-wide.
After doing urine tests on students in 69 provinces, results show that
the problem is severe in 55 provinces. Tests done in Rayong show that
amphetamines were found in the urine of 3 male students. Ephedrine was
found in the urine of 1 female student.
The penalty for the use or sale of amphetamines will carry the same
penalty as that of heroin beginning October 16th 1996, the Public Health
Department Reported.
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