Condom Chain of Life

Condom Chain of Life is informed by an understanding of Thai sensitivities to open discussion of sexual matters, as well as Thai cultural proclivity to having fun - sanuk - even when very serious topics are at issue. It draws on the lure of a Guinness Book of Records attempt; community participation and engagement are key strategies. A huge, coordinated gathering of people is expected around this effort to create the longest ever condom chain of life, comprised of people from all walks of life - young and old, students and workers, husbands and wives, gay people and heterosexual people, and so on. The chain itself will be made up of thousands of condoms tied together.

As suggested by the above, this is billed as a "highly spirited campaign"; its messages focus not on dire statistics, but on the theme of "Positive Choices for Healthful Living". In tune with this approach, the event will include a parade organised by the Thai Red Cross involving HRH Princess Somsavalee; games, activities, performances, and prizes; tents and pavilions offering information and resources developed by non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and other agencies working on HIV- and AIDS-related issues; the selection of best "Condom Costumes" (with winners (by popular acclamation) crowned "Condom Ambassador 2006"); and celebrity appearances. People living with HIV have been involved in the planning and execution of the event and will participate further during the day itself.

Filmed footage of the event will be used throughout the following year as public service announcements (PSAs) - both national and international. In addition, curriculum/lesson plans will be developed around video footage which will be given to schools to teach about HIV/AIDS, as well as to businesses wishing to provide preventative education for their employees and NGOs working to combat the disease. The filming will include interviews between video jockeys (VJs) and participants. This will necessitate translation into other languages, as funds permit. In addition, various photos from the Festival will be disseminated worldwide to promote HIV and AIDS awareness, and sensitivity towards those living with the disease.

Early in 2007 a challenge will be issued to organisations in other cities and regions of the world to break the Guinness Book of Records mark expected to be set on December 1 2006. To this end, organisers intend to package their materials (badges, designs, advertisements, etc.), timelines, and project reports for wide dissemination - a kind of "franchising" of the Condom Chain of Life around the world to foster replication and expansion of this type of participatory effort, which seeks to raise awareness while engaging and entertaining people.

HIV/AIDS.

According to UNESCO, "the original public awareness generated by the concerted efforts of the last ten or more years has dimmed": Young Thais are increasingly becoming sexually active, but only a small proportion of them are consistently using condoms. Though they mistakenly believe they are not at risk, UNESCO claims, their high levels of sexually transmitted HIV infection suggest otherwise. In addition, UNESCO cites statistics indicating that HIV prevalence rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) have also recently increased rapidly. A study conducted in 2003 by the Ministry of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 17% of MSM in Bangkok were HIV-positive. This study, conducted again in October 2005, found that the rate had increased to 28%. Many MSM have wives and/or girlfriends to whom they may carry the disease, UNESCO notes.