(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call by United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima on Tuesday (May 13) at the Peace Palace.
During the meeting, Winnie Byanyima praised Cambodia’s remarkable progress across various sectors and highlighted the country’s notable achievements. She specifically commended the Royal Government of Cambodia for its determined efforts in addressing HIV and AIDS. She noted that Cambodia has achieved two out of the three global targets, with a result of 92-100-98, compared to the UNAIDS global goal of 95-95-95 (i.e., 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression). Cambodia has also consistently reduced new HIV infections.
Winnie Byanyima emphasised that Cambodia’s success in tackling HIV and AIDS not only reduced new infections but also significantly contributed to regional and global efforts to combat HIV and other infectious diseases.
Furthermore, she expressed strong appreciation for Cambodia’s ambitious strategic planning in the fight against HIV and AIDS, reaffirming that UNAIDS would continue to support the country in implementing its national strategy. She added that the United Nations would remain a close partner of Cambodia in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Samdech Thipadei expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for its contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and highly valued the role of UNAIDS in combating HIV and AIDS in the country. He reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS through the implementation of various policies and strategic plans. Most recently, Cambodia launched its National Policy to End AIDS and Ensure Programme Sustainability 2023–2028.
The premier underlined that since 1996, Cambodia has made substantial progress in reducing the HIV infection rate. He emphasised the government’s prioritisation of strengthening the health sector, particularly by improving the well-being of its people. This includes enhancing the capacity of health personnel and expanding health infrastructure, especially by strengthening the capabilities of health centres to bring services closer to the population.
He stated, “When we talk about building human capital, we must pay attention to the health of our people.”
On this occasion, Samdech Thipadei also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaborative partnerships with UNAIDS to further advance Cambodia’s health sector, particularly its response to HIV and AIDS. He encouraged UNAIDS to continue deepening cooperation with relevant ministries and institutions to jointly achieve the United Nations’ three global targets in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
=FRESH NEWS
