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Mechai Viravaidya
August 1, 2008
Mechai Viravaidya, popularly
known as "Mr. Condom" in his native Thailand, was recently
awarded the 2007 Gates Award for Global Health on behalf of The
Population and Community Development Association (PDA), the organization
he founded in 1974. For over 30 years, PDA has helped improve
lives and strengthen communities in Thailand through HIV prevention
and family planning programs that have become international models.
A health economist by training, Mechai is best known for his
use of humor and unorthodox methods in focusing the public's
attention on public health.
The programs developed by Mechai
and PDA led to a dramatic reduction in new HIV infections in
Thailand, from 143,000 in 1991 to 21,000 in 2003. Using a nationwide
network of village-based volunteers, PDA empowers women to plan
their pregnancies, giving both mothers and children the opportunity
to live healthier lives. PDA's comprehensive approach to poverty
reduction also addresses income generation, water resource development,
sanitation projects, environmental conservation, and promotion
of gender equality and democracy.
Today, PDA's 600 employees and
more than 12,000 volunteers work in 18 regional development centers
and branch offices throughout Thailand. Through its international
training program, PDA has trained 2,900 people from 50 countries
in innovative approaches to HIV prevention, family planning,
adolescent reproductive health and other issues. |
