The Prince Mahidol Award Conference brought together international leaders in public health to discuss high-priority health issues in Bangkok, Thailand. The 10th annual gathering was held under the theme “Addressing the health of vulnerable populations for an inclusive society” and took place from 29 January to 3 February.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn attended the opening session, which included a keynote address from Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, of Harvard University, who spoke about how living in a sharply unequal society affects health.
UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria organized a session called From Exclusion to Leadership: Learning from the AIDS Response. The session explored how knowledge from the response to HIV could be used in addressing vulnerability, marginalization and social exclusion at the global, regional and national levels. It looked at lessons and approaches that are transferable to the broader health agenda.
Another session co-organized by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization was entitled Discrimination in Health Care—Determinants and Consequences. It examined how discrimination leads to poor health outcomes, leaving people who are stigmatized even more vulnerable to ill-health and its consequences.
“To neglect the health of some while others enjoy health care is a sure way to perpetuate social injustice.”
Amartya Sen Nobel Laureate, Harvard University
“We can’t end this epidemic unless we become better human beings. We have to look outward, forward and with hope, instead of inward with hate.”
Mark Dybul Executive Director, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
“We have three strategies to ending AIDS: prevention, prevention and prevention. We must turn off the tap.”
David Parirenyatwa Minister of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
“It’s not just about pills; it’s about policies, laws, criminalization, women, girls and adolescents.”
Svitlana Moroz Head of the Board, Eurasian Women’s Network on AIDS
“Now, we must legalize the community-led health service model, led by key populations. We must accredit the community health workers.”
Nittaya Phanuphak Chief of Prevention Department, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre
“Vulnerable people are not asking for more rights; they are just asking for the same rights that all of us enjoy.”
Steve Kraus, Director UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific
