An assessment of the Positive Partnership Project in Thailand: key considerations for scaling-up microcredit loans for HIV-positive and negative pairs in other settings

Abstract

Stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), and their families, remains a barrier to participation in prevention and care programmes. This barrier takes on added significance as Thailand expands provision of free antiretroviral therapy (ART). This paper documents an innovative approach to improve quality of life for PLHA, while reducing levels of stigma and discrimination. The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) began implementing the Positive Partnership Project (PPP) in 2002. In this project, an HIV-negative person must team up with an HIV-positive person to become eligible for a loan for income-generating activities. The use of microcredit to explicitly reduce stigma and discrimination is a unique feature of the PPP. While the microcredit component of the project is an important dimension for improving the status of participating PLHA, the impacts of the project extend far beyond the PLHA who receive loans. Both directly and indirectly, it has contributed to improved quality of life and economic conditions for PLHA, while raising their visibility and acceptance in hundreds of communities throughout urban and rural Thailand. This paper identifies key features of the project and considerations for adapting its use in other settings.

Keywords:

• AIDS
• microfinance
• stigma and discrimination
• Thailand

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to note that the strategic assessment process that formed the basis for this paper was the joint responsibility of three organizations: PDA, PACT, and the Population Council. Other stakeholders, in particular PLHA and the Pfizer Foundation, also joined the process at various stages. Funding for the process was provided by USAID through the Horizons Program. Horizons is funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented by the Population Council in collaboration with the International Center for Research on Women, International HIV/AIDS Alliance, PATH, Tulane University, Johns Hopkins University, and Family Health International. Besides the authors, key team members involved in the assessment were: Praween Payapvipapong, Urai Homthawee, Worapad Lopatarapong, Malee Sunsiri, Anna Chang, Santisouk Phongsavan, Diana Measham, Fahmid Karim Bhuiya, Xavier Alterescu, Matana Bunnag, and Patchara Rumakom. Additional input and reviews of the paper were given by John Rogosch, Clif Cortez, Patchara Rumkom, Kipper Blakley, and Tanatat Puttasuwan.