SRIRACHA, THAILAND – A World AIDS Day event at Somdech Phra Borommarajadevi Hospital in Sriracha underlined the facility’s commitment to combating HIV and AIDS.
World AIDS Day marked with hospital campaign
The event took place over the weekend in the lobby on the second floor of the Sri Sawarindira Memorial Building and brought together people living with HIV, relatives and medical staff. World AIDS Day was observed each year on 1 December to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, show solidarity with people living with HIV and spread knowledge about prevention and treatment. The hospital used the occasion to place education, prevention and care at the centre of its activities.
Global motto, local implementation
Deputy hospital director Dr. Samyot Lohjindapong presided over the official opening and linked the programme to this year’s international theme, “Overcome the Crisis, Transform AIDS Response.” With this focus, the campaign stressed the need to rethink and strengthen HIV prevention and care in order to highlight the dangers of HIV transmission and anchor prevention measures at all levels of society. The hospital also pursued a clear social mission to reduce discrimination and promote acceptance of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Focus on stigma and knowledge sharing
According to the organisers,
“Continuous anti-stigma activities and broader dissemination of knowledge are crucial.”
said hospital representatives. The message underlined that information and awareness work should go hand in hand with medical services. The event was designed not only to inform, but also to demonstrate that care and support for affected people and their families were firmly established in Sriracha.
Charity raffle funds education for children
A central feature of the day was a “Lucky-Star” (สอยดาว) fundraising raffle. The draw raised funds to finance 30 educational scholarships. The scholarships were intended for children from low-income families receiving treatment at the hospital’s Family Clinic, complementing direct medical support with long-term educational opportunities.
Expert lecture on daily life and therapy
Patients and interested visitors attended a specialist lecture titled “Food and antiretroviral drugs: everyday questions that should not be overlooked.” The session was conducted by doctors, nurses and other multidisciplinary health professionals from the hospital. It focused on practical issues such as interactions between diet and antiretroviral therapy, intake errors that could reduce the effectiveness of medication, and everyday challenges that might lead to treatment interruptions.
Information booths and ongoing commitment
Alongside the programme, multidisciplinary teams from the hospital set up information booths, exhibitions and interactive stations. Visitors received concise information on transmission routes, protective measures and available care services. The clinic used the event to reaffirm its long-term commitment to prevention, treatment and psychosocial support for people living with HIV and AIDS in the community.