In Thailand, more than 14,000 children are living with HIV and AIDS. Infants who are infected with the virus are likely to die early, unless they can quickly begin treatment. One quarter of HIV-positive pregnant women will pass the virus on to their children, unless they follow PMTCT precautions. An increasing number of children living with HIV and AIDS are now reaching adolescence. They face complicated social challenges including: fear of stigma; adherence to treatment; and sexual health.

This project is providing testing and treatment for children who are not entitled to government health services. Uptake in the first year was low, but the proportion of children testing positive was high. The project will assess the barriers to ethnic minority communities accessing HIV information and services, and seek to address these barriers. The project will also help to ensure that health services meet the needs of adolescents living with HIV and AIDS.