PSI in Thailand

PSI began operations in Thailand in 2003 with the opening of the O-Zone Drop-In Center (DiC), designed to promote HIV prevention behaviors for injection drug-users (IDUs) in Chiang Mai. In the last four years, PSI/Thailand has expanded this successful model to Bangkok and Chiangrai. In 2005, PSI/Thailand expanded its program to include HIV prevention for Thai Transgenders through the Sisters project in Pattaya. For both IDUs and Transgenders, PSI/Thailand distributes of a wide range of HIV prevention products, including sterile injecting equipment, male condoms, female condoms and lubricant. In 2009, PSI/Thailand will begin a nationwide scale up of its IDU and Transgender programs through a five-year (2009-2014) grant from the Global Fund, on which PSI is the Principal Recipient for IDU programs

To reduce the prevalence of HIV among IDUs in Bangkok, Chiangmai and Chiangrai, and Transgenders in Pattaya, PSI/Thailand provides a comprehensive set of HIV prevention products, services and communications for both vulnerable groups through the O-Zone project for IDUs and the Sisters project for Transgenders. IDU and Transgender peers promote HIV reduction behaviors among the target groups to reduce their risk of HIV transmission.

PSI combines targeted communications to promote healthy behaviors with the provision of high quality, affordable or freely-distributed prevention products and services, including condoms, water-based lubricants, sterile injecting equipment, voluntary counseling and testing, and a comprehensive system of referrals for care and treatment.

Current and former IDUs and Transgenders use the O-Zone and Sisters Drop-in Centers for social support to maintain healthy behaviors, as well as to access quality health products and services. PSI has a strong focus on measuring results and uses annual tracking surveys to closely monitor HIV risk behaviors among the populations we serve.