15-22-2024 (PHNOM PENH) About four individuals in the kingdom contract HIV every day, as highlighted by the National AIDS Authority in a recent statement.
HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS, continues to pose a significant health challenge in the country.
“Approximately 1,400 individuals acquire HIV annually, equating to approximately four new cases per day,” the statement emphasised, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures, particularly among teenagers, on Valentine’s Day.
The statement further revealed that 42% of newly diagnosed cases are among youth aged between 15 and 24 years old.
Presently, Cambodia is home to approximately 76,000 individuals living with HIV, according to official records.
Senior Minister and Chairman of the National AIDS Authority, Ieng Mouly, reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to eradicating AIDS as a public health threat, aiming to achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2025.
These targets aim for 95% of individuals living with HIV to be aware of their status, 95% of those aware to be receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
“By the conclusion of 2022, Cambodia had already attained a commendable response rate of 86-99-98,” Mouly disclosed.
Cambodia’s battle against HIV/AIDS traces back to 1991 when the first HIV infections were identified, followed by the detection of the first AIDS case in 1993.
