Thailand: programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Thailand has been working in the country since 1959 and assists 600,00 children and their family members.

Primarily, ChildFund in Thailand's community development programs are focused on improving the standards of health, nutrition, sanitation, education and early childhood development in Thailand.

In order to improve family incomes in rural areas, a micro-enterprise initiative has been established, which provides skills training to adults and young people. In particular, the scheme gives vocational support to women who would not otherwise be able to provide for their families.

Health and nutrition is also a priority for ChildFund in Thailand, and all children in our program areas are immunised against the major childhood diseases, given appropriate medical care, and parents are trained on how to provide nutritious meals to combat nutrition.

Development in progress

Due to the high incidence of HIV and AIDS, ChildFund in Thailand provides training to community leaders in home-based care for people living with AIDS, and has established support programs for orphans and other vulnerable children.

A new program responds to the special needs of AIDS-affected children by reaching families who need basic health care and educational assistance. ChildFund in Thailand also runs peer education initiatives covering HIV and AIDS awareness and drug abuse prevention.