Cambodia becomes first country in Asia to meet Global HIV targets
Phnom Penh: Cambodia has become the first country in Asia to achieve the global 95–95–95 goals aimed at ending the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
The targets require that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. Cambodia has now met all three.
The country was also one of only seven countries worldwide to reach the earlier 90-90-90 targets back in 2017, three years ahead of schedule.
Community-led response key to successAccording to the United Nations, community-led services were central to Cambodia’s progress. Peer-led counselling, testing and prevention programs reached groups most affected by HIV and helped build trust in health services.
“This remarkable achievement is a historic milestone for Cambodia’s HIV response,” said Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodia’s Minister for Health. “Our mission remains to reach the last miles and to sustain the gain.”
Health officials say maintaining access to treatment and continuing outreach will be critical as Cambodia works toward the 2030 goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.
