A study looking at HIV treatment for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok was launched by the World Bank last week. The research reveals worrying results that only a small amount of men at risk seek an HIV test and treatment. Health services, though readily available, also go mostly unused.
Anonymous Clinic on Ratchadamri Road.
"The prevalence of HIV in Bangkok among men is greater than other cities in Asia. It's also increasing at a higher level. Something needs to be done about it," said Assoc Prof Dr David Wilson of the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia.
According to the "Scaling Up HIV Treatment For MSM In Bangkok: What Does It Take? A Modelling And Costing Study", there are approximately 185,000 MSM living in metropolitan Bangkok. Out of that number, 60,000 people risk being infected by HIV.
Unfortunately, only 14,000 of them receive HIV screening even though the service is available at a low price, and even for free at selected healthcare providers. At the Anonymous Clinic on Ratchadamri Road, for example, a blood test for HIV only costs 200 baht. It takes just an hour to wait for the result.
Should anyone require advice, there is also a free MSM clinic available at the same venue. The place is run by the Thai Red Cross, and is open daily, except on Sundays and national holidays. There are also 90 more medical facilities able to conduct a test and treatment for HIV around Bangkok.
Though the service is readily available, social stigma, fear and embarrassment remain big barriers that prevent many MSM from getting treatment they require. As with any health-related issues, early detection saves lives. Thousands of unnecessary deaths could be avoided if people of all sexual persuasions could overcome this barrier.
"The infrastructure and capacity is there, but people just won't go. They are afraid and feel that their privacy isn't going to be protected or that others might see them or judge them. Perhaps we could have a facility that doesn't require a name, or ones that operate out of hours," said Dr Wilson.
"The next step is action — meaning what's concretely being done in order to get more men who have sex with men tested," said Ulrich Zachau, World Bank country director for Southeast Asia.
"The action also includes increasing awareness in the targeted area, as well as in society at large. This is an issue of life and death for many people around the world, particularly in Bangkok. It's essential that MSM understand that they need to get tested. It's also important that families, friends, colleagues and all of society support them."
Zachau said it'll take the whole Thai community to improve this situation.
"We are farangs. We can only go so far. But, really, the message comes from the community and from Thailand itself. We can help. We can support with research. Then, the action is for you to take," said Zachau. "I'm confident that Thailand can figure it out and teach others about it."
Ulrich Zachau of the World Bank and Dr David Wilson of the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales.
