Cambodia successfully reached its 95-95-95 HIV treatment goals last year, with Health Minister Chheang Ra stating that the country is progressing towards eradicating AIDS by 2030. These targets signify that 95% of individuals aware of their HIV status are receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have suppressed viral loads. The Minister highlighted this achievement during a meeting with UNAIDS country director Patricia Ongpin in Phnom Penh.
Chheang Ra emphasized the effectiveness of Cambodia’s National AIDS Programme in achieving the 95-95-95 targets, indicating the country’s commitment to eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He also mentioned plans to further integrate HIV prevention, testing, and treatment into the healthcare system, expand services like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and self-testing, and ensure sustainable funding for AIDS programs.
UNAIDS country director Patricia Ongpin commended Cambodia for its significant progress in the fight against AIDS, expressing readiness to formally validate the country’s achievement of the 95-95-95 targets. According to a Ministry of Health report, Cambodia has around 76,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, with approximately 700 AIDS-related deaths and 1,200 new HIV infections reported last year.
HIV, the virus leading to AIDS, weakens the immune system by attacking white blood cells, making individuals more susceptible to diseases like tuberculosis, infections, and certain cancers. Spread through infected body fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, HIV can be prevented and managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS over time.
