ID: HR19-748
Presenting author: Pruksa Singhapol
Pruksa Singhapol, Achirawit Hengtaweesub
Issue
Promoting for social and behavior awareness on harm reduction to reduce stigma and discrimination (S&D) against PWID in Thailand is challenging due to culture berries, beliefs and norms. Harm reduction education is limited resulting in the Thai drug users facing various forms of S&D such as compulsory drug addiction treatment, service exclusion in health, and social perception as criminals. As a result, harm reduction program is facing limitation for effective implementation in Thailand.
About project
The STAR project, funded by The Global Fund, implemented by Raks Thai Foundation and its partners, has developed an online communication strategy to reduce stigma and discrimination among PWID. By employing the multi-layer determinants from Socio Ecological Model (SEM), an integrated online communication channel has been developed since May 2018 to engage various audiences under the brand ‘AT’ with a key strategy to provide a safe space and new positive view for perceiving drug users through “Friend to Friend Communication” approach. This includes the voices of drug users published through video on Facebook (ATANDFRIEND) which has been integrated into other online platforms: a) website, and b) YouTube for more comprehensive information and knowledge sharing.
Scope
Target audiences are: 1) drug users’ interpersonal network, peers, community and public; and 2) PWID with an estimated size population of 44,000 in Thailand.
Outcome
Since May 2018, 'AT' page reached more than 700,000 audiences. 42.4% audiences are young users between 18-24 years old. 60.4% audiences are women and 37.9% are men. In addition, AT Fighter, a video content highlighted on drug user reached more than 38,000 audiences (59% men and 40% women), and most of them are living in Bangkok. All those who engaged with AT provided positive comments and feedbacks on drug users.