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Vientiane: Difference between revisions
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Laos, there are no travel or residency restrictions related to HIV status.<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=103 LAOS - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> This means that, if you're a foreigner entering Laos, you will not be asked for a medical certificate certifying your HIV status. Furthermore, if you test positive for HIV in Laos, you shouldn't be deported from the country. | |||
There are an estimated 11,000 people with HIV living in Laos.<ref>[http://www.aidsdatahub.org/Country-Profiles/Lao-PDR Lao PDR - Key Facts on HIV]</ref> While this number is lower than neighboring countries, such as [[Thailand]] or [[Cambodia]], HIV rates are on the rise with about 1000 new cases being reported each year, leading to the claim that there's currently a "Lao epidemic." The highest risk groups tend to be sex workers, transgender people, injection drug users, and MSM (men who have sex with men).<ref>[https://www.unicef.org/laos/activities_22357.html Laos - HIV/AIDS]</ref> <ref>[http://www.wpro.who.int/laos/topics/hiv/en/ Lao People's Democratic Republic - HIV]</ref> As the Laotian borders have opened up in the recent years, the country is seeing higher rates of transmission among foreigners, migrant workers and injection-drug users along the borders as well.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/report/94374/laos-looming-threat-catching-hiv-prevalence | |||
Looming threat of "catching up" on HIV prevalence]</ref> These groups have been difficult to reach because they have been historically disenfranchised from mainstream Laotian society, and many feel intimidated by or wary of medical services. However, it should be noted that heterosexual intercourse has also been recorded as a primary form of transmission.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/report/99771/more-work-hiv-laos-needed More work on HIV in Laos needed]</ref> | |||
When some people test positive for HIV, they may not seek out medical services, which puts future sexual partners (or people with whom they have intimate contact) at risk.<ref>[http://www.wpro.who.int/laos/topics/hiv/en/ Lao People's Democratic Republic - HIV]</ref> This can be partially attributed to lack of education surrounding HIV and STIs as well. According to a 2013 UN report, only 23% of women and 30% of men had a comprehensive understanding of HIV.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/report/99771/more-work-hiv-laos-needed More work on HIV in Laos needed]</ref> | |||
In response to rising HIV rates, the Laotian government has taken some important steps. From 2006-13, the number of ARV treatment centers rose from merely two to eight centers, and five support offices were created. However, the Laotian government most likely needs to more heavily invest in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. Currently, the country is heavily reliant on foreign aid and humanitarian agencies, such as the Global Fund. This is concerning to many people in Laos, since this does not create a sustainable long-term model.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/report/99771/more-work-hiv-laos-needed More work on HIV in Laos needed]</ref> | |||
===Testing Facilities=== | ===Testing Facilities=== | ||
* French Clinic: This is one of the better places to get an STI test in Laos. They send the samples to labs in Thailand to be tested, and overall, the clinic's STI testing is considered to be on par with Western standards. However, the services will be more expensive and may take more time. | * French Medical Center (also known as the "French Clinic"): This is one of the better places to get an STI test in Laos. They send the samples to labs in Thailand to be tested, and overall, the clinic's STI testing is considered to be on par with Western standards. However, the services will be more expensive and may take more time. Address: Bvd. Kouvieng Rue Simeuang, Vientiane, Laos. Phone: +856 21 214 150. | ||
* Mohosot Hospital: This hospital can give you a quicker and faster HIV test (and some other tests) than some other health care providers in Vientiane. While the hospital is not recommended by some expats for more complicated procedures, it's fine for basic tests. | * Mohosot Hospital: This hospital can give you a quicker and faster HIV test (and some other tests) than some other health care providers in Vientiane. While the hospital is not recommended by some expats for more complicated procedures, it's fine for basic tests. Furthermore, it was the first hospital in the country that was developed to focus on infectious diseases. Address: Quai Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Laos. Phone: +856 20 55 717 418. | ||
===Support=== | ===Support=== | ||
* World Health Organization Representative Office Lao People's Democratic Republic: 125 Saphanthong Road, Unit 5 Ban Saphangthongtai, Sisattanak District Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Telephone: (856) 21 353-902 / 3 / 4 . Facsimile: (856) 21 353-905. E-mail: who.lao@wpro.who.int | |||
* [https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/hivaids/ The Global Fund]: This organization provides a lot of the funding for HIV/AIDS work in Laos. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||