Welcome to HDN
Health & Development Networks (HDN) is a leading facilitator of information, dialogue and advocacy approaches on HIV and TB. Established as an Irish non-profit organization in 1998 and as a Thai Foundation in 2003, HDN is known for its independent role in ensuring civil society perspectives, priorities and needs are given the attention they deserve. Underpinning all of HDN’s work is the mantra ‘Speak Your World’, which focuses on increasing the voices of those least able to to speak out, including those of marginalized/isolated groups, communities and individuals affected by HIV and TB. Working with and supporting broader civil society in this way is central to the organization’s work. HDN is headquartered in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Short Course: Rapid Assessment and Response | HDN news
As harm reduction drug services receive more support from the donor community and scale up plans are being formulated and implemented, it is essential that resources are directed to where they are most needed. Quality research underpins successful service delivery and directs resources to the people and locations where most needed.
Counseling: Empowering People Living with HIV/AIDS | NGO Forum news
While there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, it is evident that when People Living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) have adequate knowledge, understanding and moral support from people and society around them, they can better face related problems and live and function happily in society. Psychological and social support enables PWHA to gain strength to maintain normal lives and interactions on a daily basis.
September 2008 NGO Forum Press Statement | NGO Forum news
One of the main problems ethnic minorities in Thailand face is that they struggle to access existing health services, making them prone to having a poorer quality of life, according to discussions held at the monthly NGO Forum held in September 2008. One serious heath problem is HIV/AIDS, especially due to the stigma associated with HIV infection. Although since 2005 the government of Thailand has been providing free Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to Thai citizens, the ethnic minorities are not covered under this programme. ARV therapy is provided under three government programmes: National Health Scheme, Social Security and Health Scheme of government staff members. Unfortunately, ethnic minorities who live in Thailand are often not covered by any of these three programmes.
Access to health services for ethnic minorities: Present to future | NGO Forum news
If we are to classify people who do not have access to health services in Thailand as a group that is hard to reach, vulnerable or marginalised, certainly ethnic minorities can be found in this group. They face many difficulties in accessing heath services including language barriers and low income. Ethnic minorities who are living with HIV particularly face severe problems because they need ready access to life prolonging antiretroviral treatment (ART), Opportunistic Infections (OI) medicines and other services.
