The potential demand for an AIDS vaccine in Thailand

The recent ongoing phase III clinical trial of a preventive vaccine in Thai land has prompted studies on potential demand for the vaccine among public, employers and households. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of HIV /AIDS, estimate the AIDS vaccine budget required and design the vaccination strategies for different population groups. The analysis is based on avail able secondary data and several assumptions on levels of secondary infectio ns among various risk groups. Among 15 groups, we identified eight groups a s potential vaccinees: Direct CSW, IDU in treatment, IDU out of treatment, male STD, transport workers, CSW indirect. conscripts and prisoners. The va ccine budget, excluding other operating expenditure, was estimated based on a single dose regimen ranging from 100 Baht (US$3) to 1000 Baht (US$29) pe r dose. A total of US$1.8-17.7 million is required for non-infected catch-u p population and US$0.2-1.9 million for the maintenance population in the s ubsequent year. We foresee a relative inefficient and inequitable consumpti on of AIDS vaccine. which requires proper policy analysis and government in terventions. Before vaccine adoption, strong preventive measures must be in place. AIDS vaccine could play an additional, not a substituting, role. A thorough understanding, a wide consultation with stakeholders and public de bates are crucial steps for sound policy formulation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.