Health Diplomats Stories
Profiles in Health Diplomacy
Ms. Supaporn Chaikummao
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A rising trend in HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand has a number of doctors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and observers worried. Among them is Ms. Supaporn Chaikummao, clinic manager at the Silom Community Clinic, which is a “model clinic integrating research and services for MSM.”
While great strides in combating HIV/AIDS have been made, new studies show that the number of HIV cases in MSM has dramatically increased in the last few years. In Bangkok the estimates rose from 17% to 28% between 2003 and 2005. “We have learned from our study that HIV is still a big problem in MSM, unlike in most of the rest of the Thai population,” says Ms. Supaporn. (Read More)
Health Diplomacy: Americans and Thais Working Together to Save Lives
The United States Embassy in Bangkok employs nearly 2000 American and Thai staff and more than a quarter of them work on health issues. The Embassy hosts one of the United States Government’s largest efforts to fight the world's most dangerous diseases: malaria, TB, dengue, HIV/AIDS and avian/pandemic influenza.
Three separate agencies employ a remarkable team of talented doctors, scientists and experts to combat those diseases and improve not only the lives of Thais and Americans, but people worldwide. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) collaborate with each other and Thai counterparts, and are platforms for assistance and partnership throughout the region. A number of important breakthroughs, such as in the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission from mothers to children, were developed here thanks to the strong partnership between the U.S. and Thailand.
The U.S. Embassy is proud to share with you the interesting stories of our health diplomats.