Cambodia

The Problem

Cambodia had a rapid increase in the number of people living with HIV in the early 1990s and this provoked a strategic and effective response, reducing HIV prevalence from 1.2% in 2003 to 0.6% in 2009.There are now estimated to be 63,000 people living with HIV in Cambodia (1).  Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) was a challenge, along with supporting people already diagnosed and their dependents. Some issues still to address are:

• Women constitute a larger share of people living with HIV (estimated 47%), most of whom live in poverty.
• HIV prevalence among MSM is 8.7% compared to 0.9% among the general population.

Our Response

EJAF has supported programmes in Cambodia since 1999, which have helped people with HIV improve their income, housing and health. EJAF also supported the development of the leading programme in Cambodia for children orphaned or living with foster carers as a result of HIV.

Our Strategy

EJAF’s recent approach in Cambodia is to fund programmes of work that strengthen local or national provision and can be scaled up to address issues:

Scaling up response to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children 

Programmes that address the multiple needs of at least 500 children, including access to healthcare and education, adequate nutrition, shelter and emotional support.

 

Addressing the needs of women 

Strategic programmes that aim to decrease the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV and to mitigate its impact on them. These include:

 

• Providing integrated services that include sexual reproductive health, HIV testing/treatment and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
• Legal/human rights programmes that empower women infected, affected and at risk of HIV to make informed choices and protect themselves.
• Providing high impact food security and income generation programmes.

 

Programmes for men who have sex with men (MSM)

Programmes providing information, treatment, psychosocial support, and legal advice to MSM in order that they are able to make informed choices regarding HIV, access appropriate treatment, and exercise their rights.

1. UNAIDS 2009