Working in Cooperation



Since the first case of HIV appeared in Thailand in 1984, there has been a rapid growth in the spread of the HIV virus and cases of people dying from AIDS related causes. In the late 1980's, there has been an increase in cases found in women and children. In the case of Thailand, there are estimates that by the year 2000, there will be 1,379,189 people infected with HIV and an expected number of 444,333 deaths related to AIDS (Statistical estimations found in a study done by the National Social and Economic Development Office, AIDS Division of the Red Cross, east West Center and Mahidol University).

There is subsequently an increasing number of children, either infected or not, whose lives are impacted by HIV/AIDS. To date 70% of the children with parents who have HIV/AIDS do not themselves carry the infection (Vienping Home for Babies, Mrs. Mayuree Yoktree). The children often face social discrimination and alienation from their community. If one or both of their parents pass away, the children either live with family members, neighbors or are taken to state run orphanges.

The children's lives usually take a dramatic turn as their means of support diminshes and they face social rejection. The Viengping Home for Babies is one organization that has taken on the responsibility of many of these children in Northern Thailand over the last six years. Due to the increasing number of such children, combined with a lack of funding, the Home is unable to support all the children brought to them. Therefore, the Home, with the collaboration of the Center for Disease Control, Minstry of Public Health, encourages more children to live with their relatives and provides support for home care. Furthermore, the Dr. Sem Foundation has developed a program to illicit help from the private and public (NGO) sectors of society to come to the aid of these children.

With a concern for the future social impacts of HIV/AIDS in Thailand, Dr. Sem calls to people within and without the country to give these children an opportunity at education and understanding. Thus, the Foster Parent Project was founded to work with the Vienping Home for Babies and other organizations who refer families to the Dr. Sem Foundation.


For more information on the Vienping Home for Babies please contact the following:

Address:

63/3 Moo 4 Tambon Donkaew

Amphor Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180

THAILAND


For domestic calls:

053-220-802 or 053-211-877


From international calls:

+66-53-220-802 or +66-53-211-877