Asia-Pacific

Cambodia calls for more efforts to fight HIV/AIDS

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-14 19:39

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia on Tuesday called for more efforts and participation to fight against HIV/AIDS.

The call was made at the third symposium on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment attended by about 300 Cambodian and international delegates.

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The objective of the symposium is to draw more attention of all stakeholders on the need for continuing efforts and partnership to deal with many challenges Cambodia will face in addressing HIV in the years to come.

"Our priorities ahead will be to prevent the second wave of HIV epidemic through more focus on targeted interventions among most- at-risk populations, and to work towards the virtual elimination of pediatric HIV infection," said Mam Bunheng, the minister of health during the opening ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

It is estimated that there are 56,200 people are living with HIV in Cambodia. Up to the third quarter of 2010, Cambodia has provided antiretroviral treatment to 41,669 people, including 4, 003 children, which covered more than 90 percent of those in need, he said.

The two-day forum is organized by the National Center for HIV/ AIDS, Dermatology and Social Transmitted Diseases.