HIV/AIDS continues to claim lives in Cambodia, but there’s a silver lining: the death toll is dropping. In 2024, approximately 1,000 people died from HIV/AIDS in Cambodia, marking a 9 percent decline from the 1,100 deaths recorded the previous year, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. But here’s where it gets even more hopeful—new infections are also decreasing substantially.
In a statement shared on Wednesday and made public Friday to mark the upcoming World AIDS Day on December 1, Hun Manet revealed that new HIV cases in Cambodia fell by 20 percent in 2024. The country reported about 1,200 fresh infections, down from 1,500 in 2023. This notable reduction signals progress but also highlights ongoing challenges.
Cambodia currently has around 76,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. Of these, an impressive 71,716 are receiving vital antiretroviral therapy, which helps control the virus and improves quality of life. However, the prime minister stressed a significant concern: over 4,000 individuals remain unaware they are infected and have yet to start treatment. This gap is crucial because untreated HIV can lead to serious health complications and the risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
Looking ahead, Cambodia is dedicated to pushing these numbers even lower, with an ambitious goal of reducing both new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths to just above 200 annually. This signals a strong government commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic within its borders.
The country is striving to meet the internationally recognized 95-95-95 targets by the end of 2025. These targets mean that 95 percent of all people living with HIV will know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed will be receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment will achieve viral suppression—a key factor in preventing the spread of HIV and maintaining health.
As of 2024, Cambodia’s efforts have already brought the country very close, with a reported response rate of 92-100-98, according to the National AIDS Authority. This means almost all diagnosed individuals are on treatment, and nearly all those treated have achieved viral suppression. But this also raises questions—what more can be done to find those who don’t yet know they have HIV? And how can Cambodia ensure those people gain access to lifesaving treatment before it’s too late?
These statistics invite deeper reflection: is Cambodia on the brink of finally controlling the HIV epidemic, or are there hidden challenges that still require urgent attention? What do you think? Share your thoughts and experiences—every voice counts in this ongoing battle.
