The review meeting was held at the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) earlier this week, and was presided over by PPHO Deputy Chief Dr Banphot Panakleub. Representatives from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 11 and related network partners also attended.
Dr Banphot said that although Thailand has made steady progress in reducing new HIV infections and expanding access to treatment, Phuket’s unique context as an international tourism hub presents ongoing challenges.
“Phuket is an international tourist city with a large migrant population and labour force. This requires proactive management and integrated cooperation from all sectors,” he said.
The meeting aimed to review the current situation, analyse gaps in previous operations and establish updated monitoring and evaluation guidelines for the 2026-2030 provincial plan to end AIDS.
Central to the revised strategy is the development of accurate, complete and timely information systems that are systematically interconnected, enabling more effective tracking of infections, treatment access and prevention outcomes.
Officials also presented the national HIV Info HUB platform, which serves as a central database for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis B and C across Thailand. The system supports evidence-based planning, monitoring and policy decision-making at both national and provincial levels.
In addition, participants promoted the use of the ‘Web Protection’ platform, designed to improve access to HIV prevention services for at-risk groups. The online tool provides information, risk self-assessment, HIV test booking and access to PrEP and PEP services, helping to reduce stigma and improve equitable access to care.
Dr Banphot emphasised that a strong monitoring and evaluation system, combined with effective use of information technology, will be key to achieving Phuket’s goal of sustainably ending AIDS.
He also commended cooperation between government agencies, civil society organisations and local networks in driving the mission forward.
The meeting concluded with academic discussions and practical proposals to ensure the revised monitoring and evaluation plan is workable, measurable and tailored to Phuket’s specific social and economic context. Dr Banphot then officially opened the session and expressed confidence that the province would meet its objectives under the updated five-year strategy.