The Department of Disease Control is concerned about rising sex-related diseases among Thai youth and plans to introduce “condom dispensers – HIV test kits everywhere” that can be used free of charge and attached to automatic drink dispensers. Add convenient access to 10 locations across Bangkok that those willing to pilot dare to press on.
February 14, 2024 is Valentine's Day in the Ministry of Public Health. Dr Thongchai Keeratihathayakorn Director General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Department of Condom Manufacturing (Condom Anytime, Anywhere) was held with the private sector operating vending machines for drinks and snacks on February 15, 2024 at the Amphitheater at Siam Square One, Bangkok. Currently, SunVending There is 1 company, Technology Public Company Limited, which is experimenting with implementing CSR. For example by bringing condoms and HIV self-testing kit. Put it in said cabinet and you can use it for free.
Because the HIV self-test kit is already included in everyone's benefits package by the National Health Protection Office (NHSO). As for condoms the department and NHSO procure and distribute them every year. But there is a problem with distribution. Therefore, collaboration with the private sector is essential. In case of facilitating distribution through automated beverage dispensers. Earlier, there were two checkpoints at Siam Square. And Bangkok Thonburi University seems to have received it very well.
“This format will encourage those who want to use them to come in and squeeze the automatic condom dispensers rather than taking them apart. Because others don't know where to press. If you press drinks, snacks or anything, we will review and consider it after that. Before disseminating this guideline to vending machines in educational institutions especially universities and places where many young people live. The test will be conducted at 10 points in the Bangkok area,” said Dr Thongchai.
Dr Thongchai also said that the department should carry out a campaign to encourage people to use condoms. Because sexually transmitted diseases are increasing nowadays. Especially in the youth group because people are not afraid of pregnancy by choosing to use a birth control method of implanting a contraceptive needle. So don't use a condom. The Department of Disease Control should promote the use of condoms. It not only prevents pregnancy but also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Status of sexually transmitted diseases
2017 to 2022 scenario of 5 major sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, chancroid, venereal disease, lymphoma among youth aged 15 – 24 years. Increase, incidence rate increases: 99.6 cases per 100,000 in 2017 to 112.3 cases per 100,000 in 2022
In particular, the incidence rate of syphilis in 2023 doubled from 2018 to 24.8 per 100,000 people) and increased from 27.9 to 90.5 per 100,000 in the youth group. The most common cause is unprotected sex. This is consistent with HIV Behavioral Surveillance data in 2019, where only 80% of young men had a condom use rate when they last had sex and regularly used condoms every time they had sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend. 40% are lovers
Condom distribution, anytime, anywhere, new approach
Condom Anytime, Anywhere (Condom Anytime, Anywhere) is considered to bring new solutions to solve problems for society. There won't be any new way of proceeding. If you do that, the results will be the same, like HIV self-testing kits. I want people to understand the new HIV issue. You have to have the courage to check. In the past, they may have been afraid of experimentation. It's scary because I don't have medicine. He later died of infection but now the treatment has changed. The chance of spreading the virus is very low if you take the medication regularly. It is not as previously thought that we can die if we get infected even through sex.
However, there should not be dangerous behavior for one to get infected. By using condoms during sex. You have to change your thinking about the fear of getting sick. But not the fear of not getting treatment in case of infection. Because you can test yourself and see a doctor to confirm the results if you find an infection. If the result is positive, they will receive treatment. Take medicine regularly. Patients live longer than the general population.
“It is important to understand that condoms are easily accessible. Prevent disease today. Do not encourage teenagers to have sex. But it is a measure to provide knowledge and access to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Because society has changed. Since the past, teenagers use condoms to prevent pregnancy because they fear pregnancy. At present, this fear does not exist. Because other contraceptive methods are used, we need to provide knowledge about condom use. To prevent sexually transmitted diseases,” said Dr. Thongchai.
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