The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and various organizations to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing public health through the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The campaign, titled "EQUALITY WITH SAFETY: HPV X CONDOM – SMOOTH OR ROUGH, CONFIDENT AND DISEASE-FREE," was unveiled during an event held at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL).

Dr. Sunthorn Sunthornchart, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the BMA, highlighted the necessity for collaboration between the MOPH's Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, and the BMA to enhance STI prevention efforts and to bolster immunity against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The MOPH has been implementing a policy to administer HPV vaccinations to Thai women aged 11 to 20, targeting both students within the education system and those outside.

Dr. Sunthorn noted that this initiative has been expanded to include female university students who have not yet received the vaccine.

HPV is recognized as a leading cause of cervical cancer, which ranks among the most prevalent cancers affecting women in Thailand.

Dr. Sunthorn emphasized the BMA's support for STI prevention efforts aimed at reducing illness and mortality linked to cervical cancer.

The AIDS and STIs Division of the MOPH's Department of Disease Control, along with the BMA and its network partners, has developed the "EQUALITY WITH SAFETY" campaign to enhance systematic HIV and STI prevention methods.

This initiative seeks to improve public access to HIV and STI screening, diagnosis, and care services for diverse target groups.

As part of the campaign, various prevention methods are encouraged to suit individual needs.

Key among these is the correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual encounters, as well as additional preventive measures such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV, in conjunction with sustained HPV vaccination efforts.

These strategies aim to empower individuals towards self-care, enhance their quality of life, and ensure safety during intimate encounters.

The collaboration also aims to strengthen networks within and beyond the MOPH to improve STI prevention efforts among young individuals and to heighten societal awareness regarding condom use.

The launch event featured numerous exhibition booths from partner organizations, providing educational resources to promote STI prevention.

Notable exhibits included: automatic vending machines by Sun Vending Co., an HPV vaccination point by the General Communicable Diseases Division, the Pride Clinic from the BMA Health Department, information on the Pao Tang app by the National Health Security Office, the Stand By You service from Siriraj Hospital, the CU Buddy Clinic from Chulalongkorn Hospital, the Teen Club from the Department of Health's Bureau of Reproductive Health, proactive PrEP services by the MPlus Foundation, and educational materials on HIV, STIs, and protection from the AIDS and STIs Division.

The event attracted approximately 1,000 participants, including Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary for Public Health, MOPH executives, KMITL faculty and students, youth, public health volunteers from Samut Prakan Province and Bangkok, as well as representatives from government, private, and civil society organizations.