Thailand was the first country outside China to report a COVID-19 case.
Containment measures, like lockdowns and travel restrictions, were implemented as early as March 2020. This was initially successful, but devastated the foreign tourism sector, which accounts for around 20% of Thailand’s GDP.
This early success, keeping COVID-19 case numbers low, could not be sustained.
By the latter part of 2021, the Delta variant became the dominant global strain of SARS-CoV-2, and the health system was overwhelmed by the surge in cases.
The Global Fund assisted Thailand with the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 diagnostic tests.Â
A strong focus on local key populations guided the implementation of interventions with the help of broader civil society.
This inclusive approach allowed for the implementation of tailored measures that were sensitive to the needs of diverse communities.