KhmerTimes-Feb 5, 2025
The efforts in eliminating HIV/AIDS in Cambodia may slow down, with people living with HIV (PLHIV) facing greater threats, following the suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, said Seum Sophal, FoNPAM Officer of the Health Action Coordinating Committee (HACC). However, during an interview yesterday, Sophal expressed optimism, saying that things will remain under control despite the funding freeze. “The government of Cambodia, as well as the Universal Fund have contributed so much in the efforts to fight against HIV, and with no further support from the USAID, Cambodia still remains in a strong position,” Sophal said. “Particularly for medicines, namely pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral (ARV), we are not concerned.” However, Sophal warned that the suspension of funds may lead to setbacks in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in terms of technical support. “With the suspension of the fund, the technical support we used to receive from USAID will no longer be available, making it a concern for us,” he noted. Despite these concerns, Sophal said that Cambodia has sufficient human resources to address the challenges that lie ahead after the USAID funding freeze. “The government has already established a strong structure to fight HIV, ranging from sub-national to national levels, which means we already have the people to work on it,” he said. “While the freeze will slow our progress towards eliminating HIV, the National AIDS Authority (NAA) and community-based groups have been actively working together and the efforts will continue.” During her official visit to Cambodia last year, USAID Administrator Samantha Power highlighted that, the US has been supporting Cambodia for over 30 years, including a total of $3 billion assistance in a range of sectors. Read more at:
