MAHACHAI, 4. September 2008: The Seafarer Union of Burma in collaboration with ITF, International Transport Workers Federation, coordinating committee of Thailand have organised a seminar on hiv/aids for the Burmese migrant workers, working in Thailand. 35 young Burmese workers from Mahachai port area participated in this one day seminar.
There are about 2 million migrant workers from Burma, Laos and Cambodia living in Thailand, yet only about one-quarter of this group are documented, which means that the workers have permission to stay in the country on a year to year basis and have access to health insurance.
Migrants vulnerability to hiv/aids is increased by a complex set of factors. Foremost, there is still a large amount of misunderstanding or lack of proper knowledge about hiv among migrant populations. While there is limited access to condoms, there are numerous opportunities to engage in risky behaviors.
Even when migrants have a clear understanding of hiv prevention, condom use is still inconsistent, especially among spouses and sweethearts, which sometimes includes sex workers.
Structural barriers, such as language differences, the location of services, documentation, and concerns of arrest or harassment, hamper migrants ability to access proper reproductive and general health services, including condoms.
As a result migrant are vulnerable to hiv/aids, and unplanned pregnancies, which result in unsafe abortions and other reproductive health problems.
