Boonsap Napayap is a client of AHF partner M-CAN. His story is next in our “I Am AHF” series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what’s right to save lives everyday.
In Northeast Thailand, AHF partners with M-CAN, a volunteer network, to bring life-changing HIV care to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. M-CAN works closely with hospitals, supporting teams at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics and conducting home visits to monitor patients, address challenges, and ensure consistent, high-quality treatment and adherence support. One person whose life has been transformed by this collaboration is Boonsap Napayap.
My name is Boonsap Napayap, and I live alone in a small house in Northeast Thailand, provided by the Municipality Office through their assistance program for people experiencing homelessness. I have no cousins, and my only companions are my dogs. Because I am disabled and cannot walk, I rely on government stipends for the poor and disabled, and I was on and off HIV treatment over the years. Life was simple but challenging—getting around, going to the doctor, and even securing food was difficult. I would use my old tricycle to visit a nearby temple, where the monks would give me leftover food from what was donated to them.
I first learned I was living with HIV 21 years ago. Staying on treatment was always a struggle—not because I didn’t want to, but because I couldn’t afford transportation to the hospital. Being disabled meant I had to hire taxis, which often cost an entire month of my stipend. Because of this, my adherence had been very poor. I also kept my status private to avoid stigma and discrimination.
Everything changed when I met the M-CAN team. I was already feeling unwell and developing complications from not being on treatment when they approached me. Even though we had never met before, they were eager to help. They accompanied me to the hospital for lab tests, picked me up for appointments, delivered ART medications to my home, and checked in regularly to ensure I was taking my pills. M-CAN didn’t just care about my treatment—they cared about me. They supported my mental health, helped clean my house, even helped cut my hair, and worked with community leaders to ensure I was looked after.
One of the most meaningful gifts was a new tricycle. To most people, it may seem like just a way to get around, but for me, it represents independence and support. With it, I can more easily go to the temple, move around my community, and feel less alone. Life is still challenging, but I feel healthier and more hopeful than I have in years.
Now that my health has improved, I can focus on simply living well. My message to others living with HIV is this: Treatment is essential. Staying on it not only improves your physical health but also your mental well-being. With good health, you can take better care of yourself and face life’s challenges with hope.
Thanks to M-CAN, with support from AHF, I’ve regained my health, my independence, and a sense of security I never thought possible.
