In Cambodia, it is estimated that around 76,000 people are living with HIV, of which 89% knew their HIV status and >98% of them receiving care and treatment. This means approximately 8,000 people living with HIV are missing from the system. They may be unaware of their HIV status, afraid of being tested due to fear of stigma and discrimination, seeking care and treatment at private clinics, deciding not to continue with treatment, or they may be migrant workers in other countries.

Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand and other neighboring countries face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services, including HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Due to their mobility, legal status, language barriers, and limited awareness, they are often at higher risk of HIV infection and have limited access to essential services. This assessment aims to assess the current HIV services available to Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand and neighboring countries, identify gaps, and provide recommendations to improve service delivery and outcomes.

Migrant Population in Cambodia and Neighboring Countries

Cambodia has a significant migrant population, with internal migration being more prevalent than international migration. As of 2019, approximately 1,260,000 people had migrated within the previous five years. Internationally, many Cambodian migrants move to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia for better economic opportunities.

In Thailand, there are an estimated 3.6 million migrants, with a significant portion being from Cambodia. These migrants often work in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and domestic work, where they face various health risks, including HIV.

HIV Statistics Among Migrants

HIV prevalence among migrant populations can be significantly higher than in the general population due to various risk factors. Migrants in Thailand, particularly those from Cambodia, face higher risks of HIV infection due to limited access to healthcare services, stigma, and discrimination.[1]

Objectives and Scope of works:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are:

1. To map existing policies and guidelines approved and supported by Cambodia and Thailand for the support of Cambodian people living with HIV, and existing programs and interventions, including prevention, care, and treatment targeting migrant populations
2. To identify barriers and challenges related to the availability, accessibility, affordability, legal aspects, and quality of HIV services faced by Cambodian migrant workers.

The Scope of works for consultant will be responsible are the following tasks:

• Develop an inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
• Develop assessment protocols, tools, and consent forms.
• Submit the assessment protocol to the National Ethical Committee for Health Research of the Ministry of Health.
• Address comments from the ethics committee.
• Conduct a desk review of existing literature, policies, and programs related to HIV services related to HIV and migrant, including to Thailand and neighboring countries.
• Conduct data collection and interviews.
• Analyze the data to identify gaps, challenges, and best practices in service delivery.
• Develop a draft report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present the findings to stakeholders and facilitate a workshop to discuss the recommendations.
• Finalize the report and share the results with key stakeholders.
• Develop a policy brief.

Key deliverables:

The successful candidate will deliver the following deliverables:

• Inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
• Assessment protocol.
• Draft assessment report for review by stakeholders.
• Final assessment report, including an executive summary, findings, and recommendations in both Khmer and English.
• Presentation of findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Policy brief.

Qualifications and experience required:

The minimum qualifications and experience required are:

• Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting assessments or evaluations related to HIV, migrant health, or similar topics.
• Strong knowledge of the HIV landscape in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Greater Mekong Subregion.
• Experience working with migrant populations and understanding their unique challenges.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Thai or Khmer is an asset.

Duration and timeframe:

The consultancy assignment is expected to start in May 2025. The consultancy is expected to be completed in June or July within an estimated 20 days.

Reporting and coordination:

The consultant will be contacted directly with HACC Executive Director at hacc@hacccambodia.org or Tel number: 077 275 227.

Ethical Considerations:

The consultant must ensure that all data collection activities adhere to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights.

Application process:

Interested consultants, both local and international, should submit the following documents:

• A technical proposal outlining the methodology and work plan
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget.
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) and examples of previous relevant work.
• Contact information

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Bun Monyrod, Admin and Finance Manager by 12^th May 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Contact information:

For further information, please contact Ms. Bun Monyrod/ Admin and Finance Manager, HACC. Address e-mail: afm@hacccambodia.org ; Tel Number: 012 786 565.

[1] ‘Cambodia," Fighting a Rising Tide: The Response to AIDS in East Asia; (eds. Tadashi Yamamoto and Satoko Itoh). Tokyo: Japan Center for International Exchange, 2006, pp. 53-75