Phnom Penh: Senior Minister H.E. Ieng Mouly, Chairman of the National AIDS Authority, underscored Cambodia's remarkable achievements in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This success, he stated, is a direct result of the Royal Government of Cambodia's strong commitment, the dedication of healthcare professionals and civil society organisations, and the invaluable support from international partners, notably UNAIDS.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during a reception on May 12 evening, at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, held to honor Ms. Winnie Byanyima, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNAIDS, H.E. Ieng Mouly emphasised the deep and reliable partnership between Cambodia and UNAIDS. This collaboration, built on mutual respect and shared goals, has been instrumental in Cambodia's progress.
He specifically highlighted UNAIDS Cambodia's role in providing technical expertise, policy guidance, public advocacy, and overall collaborative support. For her part, Ms. Byanyima lauded Cambodia's significant advancements, recognising the nation as a crucial model for the HIV response within the Asia-Pacific region. She commended Cambodia's comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach and its openness to innovative solutions.
Furthermore, she acknowledged Cambodia's pioneering work in developing a roadmap towards a sustainable HIV response. Despite these successes, H.E. Ieng Mouly cautioned that the fight against HIV in Cambodia is ongoing. He noted that certain vulnerable populations, particularly young individuals aged 15 to 24 and men who have sex with men, still face challenges in accessing adequate HIV awareness and essential prevention services, including testing.