CRC President Calls for Multilateral Cooperation to Eradicate HIV/AIDS
Bun Rany, the President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), has appealed to men, transgender individuals, and women working in entertainment venues to take proactive measures against HIV to safeguard their personal health and prevent the spread of new infections. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development in Cambodia, Bun Rany emphasized the urgent need for collective action and engagement in eradicating AIDS in Cambodia by 2025.
World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on December 1st, served as the backdrop for Bun Rany’s call for decisive efforts towards achieving this goal. Stressing the importance of community involvement in curbing the spread of the disease, she highlighted the CRC’s commitment to working closely with the government and other relevant agencies to eliminate AIDS from Cambodia within the next four years.
In pursuing a comprehensive and inclusive response to HIV/AIDS, Cambodia has also turned to innovative digital platforms to amplify its outreach and education. These efforts aim to ensure that no individual is overlooked in the fight against the disease. Additionally, Bun Rany urged the public, particularly the youth, to support people living with HIV/AIDS and combat discrimination.
Chhim Khin Dareth, the Secretary-General of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), has provided key statistics regarding the current state of HIV/AIDS in Cambodia. As of 2022, approximately 76,000 individuals were living with HIV/AIDS. Of these, 65,646 people received antiretroviral treatment from state health facilities in the first quarter of 2023. Notably, 99% of those infected were aware of their condition and undergoing treatment, while 98% had been diagnosed with the minimum viral load.
Khin Dareth highlighted that the LGBT+ community, including transgender individuals, sex workers, and drug users, accounted for 83% of new HIV infections. Particularly vulnerable groups included men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and young people aged 15 to 24.
The CRC’s call for multilateral cooperation and collective action reflects the pressing need to intensify efforts against HIV/AIDS. With Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to a comprehensive response to the disease, the nation strives to ensure a future free of HIV/AIDS, safeguarding the well-being and dignity of all its citizens.
As the fight against HIV/AIDS continues, collaboration between the government, organizations, and communities becomes increasingly vital. It is through united action and sustained commitment that Cambodia aims to bring an end to AIDS by 2025.
For more information, visit the Khmer Times website.
Sources: Khmer Times
