Harm reduction implementation for MSM/TG using Methamphetamine : The lesson learn from Ozone Foundation Thailand

verapun ngammee, supot tangsereesup

Issue
Under the situation of over criminalization on drug issue and stigmatize on SOGIE issue in Thailand this is related to delaying identify and approach situation of MSM/TG using Methamphetamine in many reason including personal and group party activity, working reason and other. Making and raising awareness to MSM/TG organization is challenging and will bring benefit for MSM/TG community.
Setting
From personal and informal sharing/ learning between Ozone foundation and RSAT (Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand) who are experience and skill working with MSM/TG on HIV/AIDS issue long time in Thailand. From this collaboration educate/ understand us on general situation related MSM/TG using drug and stigmatize in their own organization. The workshop with the representative from the organization who work with MSM/TG for sharing update the situation, making awareness and the future action plan for harm reduction implementation.
Keys arguments
The workshop design as a platform that open for the partnership both government and non -government agency who interesting or work on this issue with a limitation of number representative, priority the main objective of understanding the current situation, identify the current need of the community and sharing experience from each partnership including identify how to get support from each other. This workshop can be more base on the group decision from time to time and possibility of the resource.
Outcomes and implications
More than 10 organizations/group both government and non-government attend this workshop. Participant present more understand the situation of MSM/TG who using drug and it came from many reason. From that situation also present risk relate health and current need that all participant who are the representative from the organization who work with MSM/TG have to aware and concern. More organization present interesting to work on this issue. Currently Ozone foundation, RSAT and Thai red cross working together to provide harm reduction service for MSM/TG in Bangkok.