Location: Phnom Penh

Situation

Despite strong economic growth and the political stability which is conferred on the country by the authoritarian regime still in place, the health system in Cambodia remains weak. Although the combined efforts of NGOs and the government have slowed HIV transmission, many factors which encourage the spread of the disease-such as internal migration, poverty, human trafficking and prostitution-continue to threaten a resurgence of the epidemic in this country where Doctors of the World (DoW) runs an HIV programme.

Activities:

The DoW programme provides medical and psycho-social care for destitute patients living with HIV. In 2008 the project continued to provide specialist care for patients living with AIDS-with 2,685
patients receiving regular follow-up in the consultation centre and, of these, 1,977 receiving anti-retroviral therapy at the end of December. Other aspects of the project include training doctors, developing a continuum of care and a support network for people living with HIV/AIDS (micro-credit). DoW's handover to SEAD took place as planned on 30 September 2008 (with support from the expatriate medical coordinator for one more year). 

Outlook:

We will continue to support the development of SEAD and to train its members to ensure the continuation of the activities carried out and to guarantee the functioning of the NGO after our complete withdrawal.