PHA SUPPORT GROUP. As of December 2005, there were 22 PHA Support Groups in the 22
sub-districts of the 3 Districts namely:

1. District Muang                                 12 groups
2. Minor District of Phookamyao       4 groups
3. District of Mae Chai                          6 groups

The PHA groups at the sub-district level
comprised the PHA Network at the District Level.  Each group is represented at the PHA Network at the Provincial Level by the elected officers at the District level.

• MEMBERSHIP of PHA SUPPORT GROUP
  • To reduce stigma and to exercise equal opportunities for all, the PHA Support Groups has three categories of membership:
    • Those persons who are HIV positive and AIDS
    • Those who are affected such as the elderly whose daughter or  son had died of illness related to AIDS.  By force of circumstances , the elderly has the added responsibility of raising up orphan and vulnerable children
    • Those who are economically poor and are in dire need of assistance

The requirements for the membership are the regular attendance at the monthly meeting and the active participation in the activities of the group.

• GROUP MANAGEMENT
  • Following democratic process, each group elects their own sets of officers.  Aside from this core group, each village is represented by one member who acts as a liaison officer for the group and the members of his/her particular village.
  • Sister-in-charge of the project at Ban Metta Tham provides animation to the group.  Together with the Public Health Officer from the Primary Care Unit (Public Health Center) of the sub-district she is a consultant and adviser to the PHA Support Group.
• ACTIVITIES
  • Regular Monthly meeting
  • Group Saving Scheme – in response to the social and economic problems affecting the PHA and their families a small loan can be given to members who need initial capital for income generation activities.
  • Income Generation Activities – cattle raising, selling of iodized salt, herbal and traditional medicines, etc
  • Collective responsibility on Child and Youth Development Program
    • The PHA Support Group has a collective responsibility in the admission of children to the Child and Youth Development Program at Ban Metta Tham.  They monitor the regularity of the members’ attendance in monthly meetings as well as the quality of cooperation of the members and those who are seeking to join the group.  They are also responsible in monitoring the growth and progress of children in their respective group
  • Continued education for life.  Sharing and group counseling on education for life.  Topics on Human rights, current events that touch the daily life of the people, government policies, sources of welfare assistance, child-rearing in the present globalized world, interfaith sharing on the values common to both Christians and Buddhists
  • Advocacy.  Each group is being encouraged to participate in the advocacy works that are organized by Thailand National PHA Network together with NGO’s and Faith-Based Organization.