During the National AIDS Authority’s Annual Congress, held on November 21, 2024, at the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh, community representatives were given the opportunity to speak.
This is a significant step by the national authority, allowing the voices of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations (KP) to be heard and valued by policy and decision makers.
Representatives including Ms. Ouk Somalay, Chair of the National Entertainment Worker Network (NEWN); Mx. Soth Peo Samnang, Chair of the Young Key Population Network (YKP); Ms. Sorn Vichheka, Chair of the Cambodian Community Women with HIV (CCW); and Mr. Seum Sophal, FoNPAMs officer of HACC addressed important topics including Community Lead Monitoring, behavior change among young people, the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign, and the integration of PLHIVs and KPs into commune councils.
This approach, which places a strong emphasis on community involvement, is recognized as the most effective way to achieve the 95-95-95 targets.
By including community representatives in strategic planning and decision-making, the NAA ensures that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
