Phang Nga, Thailand—1 December 2011— The Foundation for Education and Development (FED) joined with partners, the Thai Ministry of Public Health and the NGO Network of Phang Nga Province, to observe World AIDS Day here today. The theme of World AIDS Day 2011 is “Getting to Zero”, shorthand for zero new HIV Infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 each year around the world. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died of AIDS, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. Backed by the United Nations, the “Getting to Zero” campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year’s successful World AIDS Day “Light for Rights” initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations.

The event, attended by an estimated 600 persons, featured informational booths hosted by students, a parade, speeches, and entertainment.

This year’s observance marks the sixth consecutive year that FED, a member of the NGO Network, has participated in this event.

During the ceremony the local deputy health officer informed those attending the event that, “In Phang Nga Province, more than 4000 persons have been infected with AIDS and 3000 of them have died. To give help and hope to HIV sufferers and to give health education to those at risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), all of us have to work together as one”.

Mr. Aung Kyi, head of FED’s health program, reported that, “Getting anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to AIDS patients here in Phang Nga Province has been complicated by the recent flooding in Thailand.”

Antiretroviral drugs are medications for the treatment of infection by retroviruses such as HIV.

Mr. Aung Kyi added that, “Given that Thai people have difficulty getting hold of ARVs, you can easily imagine that Burmese migrants find it almost impossible. Some infected

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Burmese are denied medicine and therefore forced to return to Burma. Existing patients are having their drug regimen trimmed from two months to one month due to drug shortages. While we try to assist those already stricken with HIV, our primary focus is prevention: stopping the spread of the disease.”

The Foundation for Education and Development (FED) (formerly Grassroots HRE) works to promote education, human rights, and the development of safe working environments for Burmese migrant workers and their families in Thailand. FED programs currently focus on Burmese migrants in Phang Nga, south Thailand and Mae Sot. FED works closely with other regional and international organizations to achieve its goals. For more information, please visit www.ghre.org

Contact:

Mr. Aung Kyi

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