Cambodia Ranks in Global Top 10 for HIV Suppression

[geovalin]

KT

 

Cambodia has secured a place among the top 10 countries worldwide for its HIV response, successfully suppressing the virus in more than 86% of people living with HIV, according to Senior Minister Ieng Mouly.

 

The announcement came during a health policy meeting in Siem Reap on 29 April, where Minister Mouly, who also heads the National AIDS Authority, praised the country’s sustained progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He highlighted a remarkable decline in annual new infections — from around 15,000 in the mid-1990s to just 1,200 last year.

 

“This is a result of decades of commitment and cooperation,” said Mouly, crediting comprehensive testing and treatment programmes that have helped Cambodia meet the UNAIDS 89-98-98 goals: 89% of those with HIV diagnosed, 98% of them receiving treatment, and 98% of those achieving viral suppression.

 

Despite this success, officials warn of looming challenges. Young people aged 15 to 24 are projected to make up half of the 7,200 new HIV infections expected over the next six years. The long-term need for antiretroviral treatment among this group could stretch the country’s health resources.

 

Further complicating matters, international funding is set to decline. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is planning to reduce its support for Cambodia by up to 50% between 2027 and 2029 — a significant drop from current levels.

 

In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet has launched the National Policy to End AIDS and Ensure Programme Sustainability (2023–2028), aiming to cut new HIV infections to fewer than one per day by the end of the policy term.

 

A joint task force of development partners and the Cambodian government also plans to scale up social protections, targeting coverage for people living with HIV to rise from 52% to 95% by 2025, and boosting aid to high-risk groups by 2028.

 

Cambodia’s success story stands as a model in the region, but officials say continued progress will depend on sustained funding, youth engagement, and comprehensive care.

 

Would you like a visual timeline showing Cambodia's HIV milestones and future targets?

 

-2025-04-30