| IN BRIEF
|
At the heart of public health initiatives and community solidarity, Cambodia stands out for its efforts to combat AIDS and offer enlightening hope to those living with HIV. Through innovative programs and collective mobilization, the country aspires to achieve ambitious goals in the fight against this disease. With palpable optimism, Cambodia is heading towards promising developments, transforming challenges into opportunities for change and access to care for all.
In Cambodia, a glimmer of hope shines in the fight against HIV/Aids, as the nation resolutely commits to meeting its ambitious treatment targets for 2025. With innovative community initiatives and increased support from NGOs and international organizations, the country is showing promising signs of improvement. This article explores recent advances and new strategies put in place to collaboratively defeat this epidemic.
Ambitious objectives: targeting 95-95-95
Cambodia has set a bold goal for 2025 called “ 95-95-95 », which aims to transform the landscape of the fight against HIV. This plan aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their serological status, for 95% of them to have access to antiretroviral treatment, and finally, for 95% of people on treatment to reach viral deletions. Viral suppression, that is, reducing the viral load below 1000 copies per mL, is essential to reduce the risk of transmission, as indicated inWorld Health Organization.
Encouraging results
The efforts are bearing fruit, as indicated in the report of the National Center for HIV/AIDS : “by 2023, Cambodia had reached a response rate of 89-98-98 “. Although the road to success is still long, these figures demonstrate positive momentum in the country’s HIV response.
Innovative community initiatives
NGOs play a fundamental role in this development. For example, the NGO KHANA has implemented community measures to deal with this epidemic. With the support of The Initiative, it explored innovative methods to raise awareness and mobilize communities between 2019 and 2022. The programs help create jobs for people living with HIV, thereby reducing stigma and promoting their reintegration into society.
Political and social mobilization
Political mobilization is also of vital importance. There Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 calls for a vast mobilization both political and social. She emphasizes the need to involve people living with HIV and vulnerable groups in the fight against the disease. Governments must be proactive in implementing measures to support and protect at-risk populations.
Partnerships and international support
Through the Great Mekong, alliances are being formed to intensify the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. For ten years, L’Initiative has financed public health projects that improve access to treatment and prevention. These international collaborations are vital to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated effectively.
Distribution of treatments
In Phnom Penh, independent clinics facilitate access to antiretroviral treatments. By offering tailored services such as consultations for sex workers and other high-risk populations, these centers help reduce health inequities. This targeted approach is all the more necessary in a context where many people are still unaware of their HIV status.
A promising future
With approximately 76,000 people living with HIV in Cambodia, and almost 69,413 of them on treatment, the country is moving towards a future where the HIV epidemic could be brought under control. However, almost 7,000 People remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for increased awareness efforts. The combination of education, early detection and community initiatives paves the way for more effective management of this disease.
In short, the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cambodia is strengthening thanks to robust collaboration between governments, NGOs and international partners. The active participation of communities and the implementation of appropriate strategies seem to be bearing fruit, sowing hope for a Cambodia free of HIV/AIDS by 2030. To find out more about prevention and protection strategies, n Don’t hesitate to consult resources like Sexuality Question. Every step forward counts and can make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.
FAQ on the fight against AIDS in Cambodia
What is the population living with HIV in Cambodia? Around 76,000 people live with HIV in the Kingdom.
What is the “95-95-95” objective set for 2025? This objective implies that 95% of people living with HIV know their serological status, that 95% of these people take antiretroviral treatment, and that 95% of people who take treatment benefit from viral suppression.
How is Cambodia positioned in relation to this objective? In 2023, Cambodia achieved a response rate of 89-98-98.
What are the initiatives of the NGO KHANA? The NGO KHANA has experimented with community measures to combat HIV-AIDS, aiming to create jobs for people living with HIV.
What is the role of independent clinics in Phnom Penh? They distribute antiretrovirals to sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).
What efforts are underway to end the epidemic by 2030? Governments and NGOs are mobilizing resources to fight HIV/AIDS and encouraging the participation of people living with AIDS and vulnerable groups.