AIA Thailand is taking significant strides in public health by organizing the "AIA Sharing A Life" project for the 12th consecutive year, under the theme "Healthier You: It Starts With Vaccination." This initiative aims to provide influenza vaccinations to the Thai population, particularly targeting vulnerable groups, as the country faces a notable rise in flu cases.
Launched in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the project aims to distribute 10,000 free influenza vaccines to street cleaning and waste collection workers across all 50 districts of Bangkok. These workers are considered a high-risk group due to their exposure to communities, making them susceptible to infection. The project underscores AIA's commitment to enhancing public health and reducing health disparities among the population.
At a press conference held at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Irawat Pattana Building, Bangkok Governor Chatchai Sitthiphunthong officiated the opening of the AIA Sharing A Life 12 initiative. He highlighted the urgency of this vaccination drive, noting that the flu outbreak this year has been more severe than in previous years, with over 270,000 reported cases across Thailand and more than 20 fatalities. In Bangkok alone, over 14,000 cases have been confirmed.
Governor Chatchai emphasized the importance of proactive measures against the flu, stating, "The flu situation this year has arrived earlier and more severely than in previous years. The BMA is prepared to tackle the outbreak by providing vaccines to the public, especially those in vulnerable groups." He expressed gratitude towards AIA for their partnership in this health initiative, which aims to provide vaccinations before the rainy season begins.
In addition to the free vaccinations for the cleaning staff, AIA is extending its services to its insurance customers, offering complimentary flu shots for children aged 6 months to 15 years and special pricing for those aged 15 and above. Customers can access these vaccinations through the AIA Smart Network hospitals nationwide, reinforcing AIA's mission to support over one billion people in achieving better health and quality of life.
Nikhel Advani, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Thailand, reiterated the company's dedication to health awareness and disease prevention. He remarked, "AIA Sharing A Life is our most significant annual community service initiative, uniting employees, agents, and partners to contribute positively on a single day. This year, we continue our efforts with the theme 'Healthier You: It Starts With Vaccination,' building on last year's initiatives by offering 10,000 flu vaccines to the dedicated cleaning staff of Bangkok who work tirelessly to keep our city clean and beautiful."
The AIA Sharing A Life initiative aligns with AIA's broader commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, aiming to position itself as a leader in ESG practices across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative not only serves to improve public health but also emphasizes social responsibility and community engagement.
The BMA is actively preparing to respond to the flu outbreak, ensuring that vaccines are available to at-risk populations. Governor Chatchai expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts with AIA and other partners to mitigate the flu's impact, stating, "We are grateful to AIA Thailand for providing 10,000 vaccines to our cleaning staff, and we will ensure that these vaccinations are administered by the end of May to be ready before the rainy season arrives."
As part of its commitment to public health, AIA Thailand is not only focusing on vaccination but also on raising awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare measures. The company aims to foster a healthier society by encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health.
AIA's efforts in promoting health and wellness are crucial, especially in light of the increasing flu cases this year. By providing free vaccinations, AIA is taking a significant step towards protecting the health of those who are most vulnerable, particularly the essential workers who keep the city running.
This initiative is not just about vaccination; it's about creating a culture of health awareness and responsibility among the community. The partnership between AIA and the BMA exemplifies how corporate entities can collaborate with local governments to address public health challenges effectively.
As the flu season progresses, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. The AIA Sharing A Life project serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard public health and ensure that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services.
In summary, AIA Thailand's "AIA Sharing A Life" project is a commendable effort to combat the flu outbreak through vaccination and community engagement. This initiative not only provides immediate health benefits but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between private companies and government entities in addressing public health issues.
