Cambodia’s garment sector signs optimistic recovery
Cambodia ’s garment sector has showed signs of recovery so far this year with increasing number of garment factories and number of workers after the global economic crisis affected to this industry last year, officials told the Southeast Asia weekly on July 1.
Bun Ying, a communication officer of ILO in Phnom Penh office said that so far this year we have data of 267 factories which are running business in country. “We have signed recovery of garment sector according to our report which issued on late this month,” he said, adding that The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Better Factories Cambodia released 24th Synthesis Report on Working Conditions in Cambodia ’s Garment Sector, which assesses compliance with Cambodian labor law and international labor standards in exporting garment factories.
“In April 2010, number of worker in garment increased to more than 280,443 workers. And in November 2009, there were 243 active exporting factories with 278,398 workers in country,” he added.
He continued that the 24th Synthesis Report is the first report to show an increase in employment levels when compared with the preceding report since the 21st Synthesis Report of 31 October 2008. The level of employment increased slightly since November 1, 2009, despite additional factory closures. Although employment is still down from one year ago, job losses resulting from the crisis have leveled off, as reflected by the smaller percentage drop during the past year (6%) than that seen during the year before (12.5%).
He noted the garment sector is showing signs of recovery from the economic crisis; employment levels are up slightly when compared with the previous report. And more than 2/3 of workers currently are working in factories with 1000 or more employees, despite a 9% drop in the percentage of factories with 1000 - 2000 workers over the past year. 79% of the factories monitored have at least one union, up 3% from the 23rd Synthesis Report.
He said however, most workers still report that they do not have enough to spend on basic needs including food, housing and health care.
H.E.Om Mean, secretary of state of ministry of labor and vocational training said that the government has always cared with attention of workers across and not only in country but also at foreign countries we always cared situation of workers. Garment is a good sector for contributing economic growth,” he said, adding that the recovery is demanding for purchasing order and number of worker also increased.
Ministry of Commerce data also points toward the recovery in the garment sector, with export levels for the first five months of 2010 exceeding those for the same months last year. The figures from the Ministry of Commerce showed the country exported garment products worth US $1.062 billion during January to May 2010, with reporting around 11 percent increase against $953 million export during the same period in the year 2009. Cambodia earned about $2.658 billion through apparel exports in 2009, while $3.158 billion in 2008, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
###
Friday, July 9, 2010
LONGHENG: Cambodia hosts triangle development zone's forum
Cambodia hosts regional forum on role of national assemblies in triangle development zone
The national assembly will organize the regional forum of the committee of foreign affairs of the three national assemblies from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the role of the national assembly in enhancing and strengthening triangle development of border areas of the three countries which will be held from July 6-9 this year,” officials said on July 1.
“The main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries,” H.E Chheang Vun, chairman of the committee of foreign affairs, and information of Cambodia’s national assembly told SEAW. He added that the main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries.
“The ceremony will be presided over by Samdech Heng Samrin and the forum will be conducted at the Kratie province, which is the last province of Cambodia adding into triangle development zone,” statement from the secretariat of the national assembly said. The closing ceremony will be
Ang Kim Eang, president of Cambodian Association of Travel Agencies told SEAW that the emerald triangle development zone is good ecotourism region in northern part of the country. Now, we have better infrastructures and road system has started its process and border pass also facilitated, tourist cars could access to other countries to boost tourists. Northeast region of country is a good target to attract tourist to visit. “The forum will contribute to tourists to see that region, he said, adding that “Road system from linking to other countries will play a key role to develop region and border gate also expanded.
He continued that the development level of provinces in development triangle is generally low compared to the average national level of their respective countries. The level of people in triangle is low. The share of agriculture is GDP remains high. Compared to other development triangles, the provinces in this triangle almost share borderlines in pair and important pairs of border checkpoints have been established., constituting a favorable condition for development cooperation among the provinces while their development level remind low. Unlike a number of other development triangles in regions, Cambodia , Laos and Vietnam development triangle has now growth pole to find its own way to develop and member countries may include other provinces at a later stage.
The document of the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cambodia considered triangle development of border areas including relating to potential for economic cooperation and direction for development in three countries border zone, so as to make good and each country’s comparative advantage and capitalize on internal and external resources in the framework of development cooperation among the three countries. “Border development of three areas focus on the communications, commerce, and tourism, agro-forestry and energy to provide mutual benefits for local people who live at that region,” it added.
Cambodia – Laos and Vietnam development triangle covers the territory provinces including Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng in Cambodia , Attapeu, Saravan and Sekong in Laos and Dak Lak, Da Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum in Vietnam . These provinces located in the border area of three countries and that shared many similarities in terms of natural, economic and social conditions.
###
The national assembly will organize the regional forum of the committee of foreign affairs of the three national assemblies from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the role of the national assembly in enhancing and strengthening triangle development of border areas of the three countries which will be held from July 6-9 this year,” officials said on July 1.
“The main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries,” H.E Chheang Vun, chairman of the committee of foreign affairs, and information of Cambodia’s national assembly told SEAW. He added that the main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries.
“The ceremony will be presided over by Samdech Heng Samrin and the forum will be conducted at the Kratie province, which is the last province of Cambodia adding into triangle development zone,” statement from the secretariat of the national assembly said. The closing ceremony will be
Ang Kim Eang, president of Cambodian Association of Travel Agencies told SEAW that the emerald triangle development zone is good ecotourism region in northern part of the country. Now, we have better infrastructures and road system has started its process and border pass also facilitated, tourist cars could access to other countries to boost tourists. Northeast region of country is a good target to attract tourist to visit. “The forum will contribute to tourists to see that region, he said, adding that “Road system from linking to other countries will play a key role to develop region and border gate also expanded.
He continued that the development level of provinces in development triangle is generally low compared to the average national level of their respective countries. The level of people in triangle is low. The share of agriculture is GDP remains high. Compared to other development triangles, the provinces in this triangle almost share borderlines in pair and important pairs of border checkpoints have been established., constituting a favorable condition for development cooperation among the provinces while their development level remind low. Unlike a number of other development triangles in regions, Cambodia , Laos and Vietnam development triangle has now growth pole to find its own way to develop and member countries may include other provinces at a later stage.
The document of the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cambodia considered triangle development of border areas including relating to potential for economic cooperation and direction for development in three countries border zone, so as to make good and each country’s comparative advantage and capitalize on internal and external resources in the framework of development cooperation among the three countries. “Border development of three areas focus on the communications, commerce, and tourism, agro-forestry and energy to provide mutual benefits for local people who live at that region,” it added.
Cambodia – Laos and Vietnam development triangle covers the territory provinces including Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng in Cambodia , Attapeu, Saravan and Sekong in Laos and Dak Lak, Da Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum in Vietnam . These provinces located in the border area of three countries and that shared many similarities in terms of natural, economic and social conditions.
###
LONGHENG: Cambodia, Philippines Boost Trade and Investment
Philippines on Friday conducted the forum on the first Philippines Trade and Investment mission in Cambodia to speed up trade and investment for two countries in ASEAN.
“The bilateral trade between the countries is worth about 18 million US dollars that is shame for us. So we need to expand further,” Cambodia ’s commerce minister Cham Prasidh said in his opening remark at the ceremony.
“I am confident that Cambodia – Philippines business and commercial engagement can be a win-win situation for both countries. Philippines investors and business should take opportunity to explore business opportunities in Cambodia ,” he added. Cham urged Filipino investors and businesspeople to invest rice processing like creating rice mills to export milled rice to Philippines . here you can run your ownership with 100 per cent share and that is great chance for investors,"cham added.
Noe A. Wong, ambassador of Philippines to Cambodia said in ceremony that bilateral volume is narrow. But today we have to develop further for benefits of our relationship. Some companies are joining this event to display their products.
Cambodia and Philippines signed MOU between the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Philippines –Cambodia Business Council of Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Cham said that The diplomatic relation between Cambodia and Philippines were established way back in 1957, and the bilateral relations have strengthened over the years through high level visits between leaders of the two countries.
Cham added the trade volume between Cambodia and Philippines in 2008 valued at over 8 million US dollars which Philippines at the valued over 1.4 million US dollars for the period from January to November 2009, total trade volume Cambodia-Philippines were 18 million US dollars while Cambodia exported to Philippines at valued over 9 million US dollars and Cambodia imported Philippines were over 9 million US dollars.
“The Cambodian government is encouraging investments activities including agriculture, and agro-industry, transport, and telecommunication infrastructure, energy and electricity, sectors, ad labor intensive industries and export oriented processing and manufacturing, and tourism related industries, human resources development, and processing industry , oil and gas and mining,” Cham added.
He continued that the Cambodia private sector contributed 90 per cent of employment in Cambodia . The agriculture sector has the largest share, comprising 70 per cent of total employment, followed services sector with 15 per cent and industrial sector 8 per cent. Agricultural sector accounted for 35 per cent of GDP while the services sector and the industrial sector accounted for 35 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.
He added Cambodia is also one of the beneficiaries of the generalized system of preference (GSP) schemes operated by developed countries. Import tariffs on many products from Cambodia are exempted or reduce if requirements such rules of origin are fulfilled.
###
Long Heng: PM Hun Sen reovered from flu
Long Heng: Cambodia PM Hun Sen recovered from A (H1N1) Flu
date:july 2010, 11
Cambodian Prime Minister has recovered from A (H1N1) flu infection, and he will show face publicly during the military exercise in Kompong Speu province on July 17,”a senior governmental official said in condition of anonymity on Saturday.
Samdech Prime Minister HUn Sen will preside over the opening ceremony of the multi- military exercise,” the official added. Prime Minister Hun Sen infected with the flu on June 25,”the health ministry’s statement announced.
###
date:july 2010, 11
Samdech Prime Minister HUn Sen will preside over the opening ceremony of the multi- military exercise,” the official added. Prime Minister Hun Sen infected with the flu on June 25,”the health ministry’s statement announced.
###
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Cambodia's garment sector sign optmistic recovery in 2010
Cambodia’s garment sector signs optimistic recovery Cambodia’s garment sector has showed signs of recovery so far this year with increasing number of garment factories and number of workers after the global economic crisis affected to this industry last year, officials told the Southeast Asia weekly on July 1.
Bun Ying, a communication officer of ILO in Phnom Penh office said that so far this year we have data of 267 factories which are running business in country. “We have signed recovery of garment sector according to our report which issued on late this month,” he said, adding that The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Better Factories Cambodia released 24th Synthesis Report on Working Conditions in Cambodia’s Garment Sector, which assesses compliance with Cambodian labor law and international labor standards in exporting garment factories. “In April 2010, number of worker in garment increased to more than 280,443 workers. And in November 2009, there were 243 active exporting factories with 278,398 workers in country,” he added.
He continued that the 24th Synthesis Report is the first report to show an increase in employment levels when compared with the preceding report since the 21st Synthesis Report of 31 October 2008. The level of employment increased slightly since November 1, 2009, despite additional factory closures. Although employment is still down from one year ago, job losses resulting from the crisis have leveled off, as reflected by the smaller percentage drop during the past year (6%) than that seen during the year before (12.5%).
He noted the garment sector is showing signs of recovery from the economic crisis; employment levels are up slightly when compared with the previous report. And more than 2/3 of workers currently are working in factories with 1000 or more employees, despite a 9% drop in the percentage of factories with 1000 - 2000 workers over the past year. 79% of the factories monitored have at least one union, up 3% from the 23rd Synthesis Report.
He said however, most workers still report that they do not have enough to spend on basic needs including food, housing and health care.
H.E.Om Mean, secretary of state of ministry of labor and vocational training said that the government has always cared with attention of workers across and not only in country but also at foreign countries we always cared situation of workers. Garment is a good sector for contributing economic growth,” he said, adding that the recovery is demanding for purchasing order and number of worker also increased.
Ministry of Commerce data also points toward the recovery in the garment sector, with export levels for the first five months of 2010 exceeding those for the same months last year. The figures from the Ministry of Commerce showed the country exported garment products worth US $1.062 billion during January to May 2010, with reporting around 11 percent increase against $953 million export during the same period in the year 2009. Cambodia earned about $2.658 billion through apparel exports in 2009, while $3.158 billion in 2008, according to the Ministry of Commerce. ###
Bun Ying, a communication officer of ILO in Phnom Penh office said that so far this year we have data of 267 factories which are running business in country. “We have signed recovery of garment sector according to our report which issued on late this month,” he said, adding that The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Better Factories Cambodia released 24th Synthesis Report on Working Conditions in Cambodia’s Garment Sector, which assesses compliance with Cambodian labor law and international labor standards in exporting garment factories. “In April 2010, number of worker in garment increased to more than 280,443 workers. And in November 2009, there were 243 active exporting factories with 278,398 workers in country,” he added.
He continued that the 24th Synthesis Report is the first report to show an increase in employment levels when compared with the preceding report since the 21st Synthesis Report of 31 October 2008. The level of employment increased slightly since November 1, 2009, despite additional factory closures. Although employment is still down from one year ago, job losses resulting from the crisis have leveled off, as reflected by the smaller percentage drop during the past year (6%) than that seen during the year before (12.5%).
He noted the garment sector is showing signs of recovery from the economic crisis; employment levels are up slightly when compared with the previous report. And more than 2/3 of workers currently are working in factories with 1000 or more employees, despite a 9% drop in the percentage of factories with 1000 - 2000 workers over the past year. 79% of the factories monitored have at least one union, up 3% from the 23rd Synthesis Report.
He said however, most workers still report that they do not have enough to spend on basic needs including food, housing and health care.
H.E.Om Mean, secretary of state of ministry of labor and vocational training said that the government has always cared with attention of workers across and not only in country but also at foreign countries we always cared situation of workers. Garment is a good sector for contributing economic growth,” he said, adding that the recovery is demanding for purchasing order and number of worker also increased.
Ministry of Commerce data also points toward the recovery in the garment sector, with export levels for the first five months of 2010 exceeding those for the same months last year. The figures from the Ministry of Commerce showed the country exported garment products worth US $1.062 billion during January to May 2010, with reporting around 11 percent increase against $953 million export during the same period in the year 2009. Cambodia earned about $2.658 billion through apparel exports in 2009, while $3.158 billion in 2008, according to the Ministry of Commerce. ###
Cambodia hosts regional forum on triangle development zone
Cambodia hosts regional forum on role of national assemblies in triangle development zone
The national assembly will organize the regional forum of the committee of foreign affairs of the three national assemblies from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the role of the national assembly in enhancing and strengthening triangle development of border areas of the three countries which will be held from July 6-9 this year,” officials said on July 1.
“The main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries,” H.E Chheang Vun, chairman of the committee of foreign affairs, and information of Cambodia’s national assembly told SEAW. He added that the main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries.
“The ceremony will be presided over by Samdech Heng Samrin and the forum will be conducted at the Kratie province, which is the last province of Cambodia adding into triangle development zone,” statement from the secretariat of the national assembly said. The closing ceremony will be
Ang Kim Eang, president of Cambodian Association of Travel Agencies told SEAW that the emerald triangle development zone is good ecotourism region in northern part of the country. Now, we have better infrastructures and road system has started its process and border pass also facilitated, tourist cars could access to other countries to boost tourists. Northeast region of country is a good target to attract tourist to visit. “The forum will contribute to tourists to see that region, he said, adding that “Road system from linking to other countries will play a key role to develop region and border gate also expanded.
He continued that the development level of provinces in development triangle is generally low compared to the average national level of their respective countries. The level of people in triangle is low. The share of agriculture is GDP remains high. Compared to other development triangles, the provinces in this triangle almost share borderlines in pair and important pairs of border checkpoints have been established., constituting a favorable condition for development cooperation among the provinces while their development level remind low. Unlike a number of other development triangles in regions, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam development triangle has now growth pole to find its own way to develop and member countries may include other provinces at a later stage.
The document of the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cambodia considered triangle development of border areas including relating to potential for economic cooperation and direction for development in three countries border zone, so as to make good and each country’s comparative advantage and capitalize on internal and external resources in the framework of development cooperation among the three countries. “Border development of three areas focus on the communications, commerce, and tourism, agro-forestry and energy to provide mutual benefits for local people who live at that region,” it added.
Cambodia –Laos and Vietnam development triangle covers the territory provinces including Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng in Cambodia, Attapeu, Saravan and Sekong in Laos and Dak Lak, Da Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum in Vietnam. These provinces located in the border area of three countries and that shared many similarities in terms of natural, economic and social conditions.
###
The national assembly will organize the regional forum of the committee of foreign affairs of the three national assemblies from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the role of the national assembly in enhancing and strengthening triangle development of border areas of the three countries which will be held from July 6-9 this year,” officials said on July 1.
“The main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries,” H.E Chheang Vun, chairman of the committee of foreign affairs, and information of Cambodia’s national assembly told SEAW. He added that the main purpose of the forum is to enhance the good environment in solidarity, cooperation and good neighboring countries and it will contribute actively further for boosting friendship cooperation, solidarity and cooperation of common triangle development of border areas between the three countries.
“The ceremony will be presided over by Samdech Heng Samrin and the forum will be conducted at the Kratie province, which is the last province of Cambodia adding into triangle development zone,” statement from the secretariat of the national assembly said. The closing ceremony will be
Ang Kim Eang, president of Cambodian Association of Travel Agencies told SEAW that the emerald triangle development zone is good ecotourism region in northern part of the country. Now, we have better infrastructures and road system has started its process and border pass also facilitated, tourist cars could access to other countries to boost tourists. Northeast region of country is a good target to attract tourist to visit. “The forum will contribute to tourists to see that region, he said, adding that “Road system from linking to other countries will play a key role to develop region and border gate also expanded.
He continued that the development level of provinces in development triangle is generally low compared to the average national level of their respective countries. The level of people in triangle is low. The share of agriculture is GDP remains high. Compared to other development triangles, the provinces in this triangle almost share borderlines in pair and important pairs of border checkpoints have been established., constituting a favorable condition for development cooperation among the provinces while their development level remind low. Unlike a number of other development triangles in regions, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam development triangle has now growth pole to find its own way to develop and member countries may include other provinces at a later stage.
The document of the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cambodia considered triangle development of border areas including relating to potential for economic cooperation and direction for development in three countries border zone, so as to make good and each country’s comparative advantage and capitalize on internal and external resources in the framework of development cooperation among the three countries. “Border development of three areas focus on the communications, commerce, and tourism, agro-forestry and energy to provide mutual benefits for local people who live at that region,” it added.
Cambodia –Laos and Vietnam development triangle covers the territory provinces including Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng in Cambodia, Attapeu, Saravan and Sekong in Laos and Dak Lak, Da Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum in Vietnam. These provinces located in the border area of three countries and that shared many similarities in terms of natural, economic and social conditions.
###
Cambodia continues to combat AIDS/HIV in 2010
Cambodia continues to combat AIDS/HIV even successful in recent years
Cambodia’s health ministry announced on June 29 that even the ministry got the success of fighting against AIDS/HIV in the country but it has continued to its work regularly to prevent and educate about dangers of deadly disease.
Speaking at a follow-up workshop on AIDS/HIV in Phnom Penh, Teng Kunthy, secretary general of National AIDS Authority said in recent years, even we have been successful in fighting against AIDS/HIV in the country but we have many things to prevent this disease not to recover. “Therefore we need to join from all stakeholders to contribute to education and prevention to avoid infection,” he said, adding that we need all sides to jointly deal dangers of illness. “The decline of Cambodia in HIV prevalence was due to a quick and coordinated response by the government in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and civil society. Infections among direct and indirect sex workers fell after the promotion of 100% condom use. “In 1997, number of aids/HIV infected people was about 3 per cent and in 2007, it was about 0.8 per cent, and it should be lower than this after prevention and education and it continued to drop its infection rate,” he added.
At the event, Heng Sopheab, director of strategic information of KhANA, a leading Cambodian NGO alliance in response to AIDS/HI said, “We all are trying to build national understanding of MSM, enhance advocacy and institutional capacity building, and improve the quality of increase coverage of targeted and comprehensive HIV prevention with MSM. At the same time, he added that all stakeholders contribute helping MSM to access to quality HIV and sexual transmitted illness treatment, care and support services and information.
“We also focus on quality and accessibility of integrated services, support, and referral of illicit drug use related to HIV/AIDS harms. We joined with health ministry and other organizations to develop, strengthen and improve national understanding and response to HIV and drug use,” he added. In 2009, we have network of 16,686 MSM and 90 per cent of MSM who exposed to HIV prevention intervention. “We also continue to advocate for elimination of social stigma and discrimination on them,” he noted.
He continued that Cambodia is one of the few countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the spread of HIV, with prevalence falling from 3% in 1997 to 0.8% in 2007. This is a major achievement especially given high levels of poverty and inequality, devastation of infrastructure during decades of war and heavy reliance on foreign aid. “The main mode of HIV transmission remains heterosexual sex, but many infections also occur among injecting drug users and men who have sex with men. Poverty, gender inequality and changes in sexual behavior continue to drive the epidemic,” he said, adding that there is a need for more prevention services for couples and key populations including young people, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, amphetamine-type substance users, park-based sex workers and truck drivers.
Leng Mongneath, national coordinator of National MSM Network said that today we have 20,000 MSM in the country according figure from Non-governmental organizations that worked with MSM. The data of MSM should be more than this because the data we collected is from our network only. So for the MSM who do not link with our network we could not collect figure. We focused on three main categories of AIDS/HIV infection including MSM, girls at the entertainment services, and drug users with same meddle and direct sex workers. They are easily infecting with AIDS/HIV,” he said, adding that we are concerned on MSM because they did not use condom when they love partners. Girls at Entertainment services understand clearly about AIDS/HIV infection. They could prevent this illness but we all still helped them to pursue their partners to use condom to avoid infecting aids. In Cambodia, according to my observation, we succeeded in fighting AIDS/HIV but we concerned about the new wave after the economic crisis, and local authorities also cracked down regularly on brothels, and sex workers. “Where did they go,” he said, adding that we need to join to educate them in fighting against this illness. According to report from national center for HIV/AIDS, dermatology and STD, the number of active patients at the end of quarter of this year are 38,522 who got Anti-retroviral therapy and 20,126 of them are female. And infected people of AIDS/HIV are under 49 years old in working force. ###
Cambodia’s health ministry announced on June 29 that even the ministry got the success of fighting against AIDS/HIV in the country but it has continued to its work regularly to prevent and educate about dangers of deadly disease.
Speaking at a follow-up workshop on AIDS/HIV in Phnom Penh, Teng Kunthy, secretary general of National AIDS Authority said in recent years, even we have been successful in fighting against AIDS/HIV in the country but we have many things to prevent this disease not to recover. “Therefore we need to join from all stakeholders to contribute to education and prevention to avoid infection,” he said, adding that we need all sides to jointly deal dangers of illness. “The decline of Cambodia in HIV prevalence was due to a quick and coordinated response by the government in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and civil society. Infections among direct and indirect sex workers fell after the promotion of 100% condom use. “In 1997, number of aids/HIV infected people was about 3 per cent and in 2007, it was about 0.8 per cent, and it should be lower than this after prevention and education and it continued to drop its infection rate,” he added.
At the event, Heng Sopheab, director of strategic information of KhANA, a leading Cambodian NGO alliance in response to AIDS/HI said, “We all are trying to build national understanding of MSM, enhance advocacy and institutional capacity building, and improve the quality of increase coverage of targeted and comprehensive HIV prevention with MSM. At the same time, he added that all stakeholders contribute helping MSM to access to quality HIV and sexual transmitted illness treatment, care and support services and information.
“We also focus on quality and accessibility of integrated services, support, and referral of illicit drug use related to HIV/AIDS harms. We joined with health ministry and other organizations to develop, strengthen and improve national understanding and response to HIV and drug use,” he added. In 2009, we have network of 16,686 MSM and 90 per cent of MSM who exposed to HIV prevention intervention. “We also continue to advocate for elimination of social stigma and discrimination on them,” he noted.
He continued that Cambodia is one of the few countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the spread of HIV, with prevalence falling from 3% in 1997 to 0.8% in 2007. This is a major achievement especially given high levels of poverty and inequality, devastation of infrastructure during decades of war and heavy reliance on foreign aid. “The main mode of HIV transmission remains heterosexual sex, but many infections also occur among injecting drug users and men who have sex with men. Poverty, gender inequality and changes in sexual behavior continue to drive the epidemic,” he said, adding that there is a need for more prevention services for couples and key populations including young people, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, amphetamine-type substance users, park-based sex workers and truck drivers.
Leng Mongneath, national coordinator of National MSM Network said that today we have 20,000 MSM in the country according figure from Non-governmental organizations that worked with MSM. The data of MSM should be more than this because the data we collected is from our network only. So for the MSM who do not link with our network we could not collect figure. We focused on three main categories of AIDS/HIV infection including MSM, girls at the entertainment services, and drug users with same meddle and direct sex workers. They are easily infecting with AIDS/HIV,” he said, adding that we are concerned on MSM because they did not use condom when they love partners. Girls at Entertainment services understand clearly about AIDS/HIV infection. They could prevent this illness but we all still helped them to pursue their partners to use condom to avoid infecting aids. In Cambodia, according to my observation, we succeeded in fighting AIDS/HIV but we concerned about the new wave after the economic crisis, and local authorities also cracked down regularly on brothels, and sex workers. “Where did they go,” he said, adding that we need to join to educate them in fighting against this illness. According to report from national center for HIV/AIDS, dermatology and STD, the number of active patients at the end of quarter of this year are 38,522 who got Anti-retroviral therapy and 20,126 of them are female. And infected people of AIDS/HIV are under 49 years old in working force. ###
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