The Peace Corps Thailand HIV/AIDS Global Initiative Group (GIG) is an evolving group of Peace Corps Volunteers who work to support those that encounter HIV/AIDS and its devastating effects in their communities.

Mission Statement:

"The Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Global Initiative Group (GIG), formed under the auspices of the Global Peace Corps initiative to assist its communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and as a response to Peace Corps Thailand Volunteer's attempts to aid their communities, is a working collection of volunteers, whose purpose is to gather and disseminate knowledge, information, and experience relating to the struggle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic to volunteers and their Thai communities with relevant, accessible, and current information, activities, ideas, and assistance."

A Brief History:

The HIV/AIDS GIG in Thailand was initiated by a small group of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) in 2004 as a direct response to the increasing desire for up to date HIV/AIDS information and guidance for working on HIV/AIDS related projects in Thailand.

In 2005, Peace Corps Thailand received a grant from the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for the purpose of supporting existing HIV/AIDS work and significantly expanding PCV HIV/AIDS related projects.

With the support of PEPFAR funds, the GIG hosted three HIV/AIDS conferences for PCVs and their Thai counterparts. The conferences, titled, "Positive Networks," aimed at creating community networks, in the hopes of inspiring future HIV/AIDS related projects.

What Are We Doing Now?:

Currently the HIV GIG is assisting volunteers with HIV/AIDS related projects throughout the Kingdom of Thailand by providing resources for their projects. We are also conducting conferences for PCVs and their counterparts to help strengthen the working relationships of volunteers, in the hope of developing projects for the future.

The GIG is also actively participating in the Pre-Service Training for the 119th group of Peace Corps Volunteers in Thailand. Along with general HIV/AIDS information, the GIG is providing strageies on how the new volunteers can become involved in HIV/AIDS related projects at their sites.

The Future:

The GIG hopes to continue planning and supporting HIV/AIDS conferences for PCVs and their counterparts as well as gathering and disseminating current HIV/AIDS related information.