Cambodia’s GO and NOGs get one voice at ICAAP in Thailand
Story and photos by Chhay Sophal
Cambodia News and New Youth
Bangkok (19 November, 2013): Both Cambodian governmental and non-governmental organizations have reached their agreement to have one voice at the 11th International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP11) so that they can mobilize more supports from donors.
His Excellency Dr. Teng Kuthy, Secretary General of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), told New Youth in Bangkok that it is very important for the national institutions and civil society in the country to have the same voice for appealing donors to continue their supports Cambodia three matters – livelihood, -border-crossing mobility, and most at high risk group (MARPS).
“Now, we have treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS but we need to support their livelihood such as life skills and small businesses while many migrants living with HIV/AIDS crossing border with neighboring countries, especially to Thailand, are facing with their treatment,” Dr. Teng Kuthy said, adding that MARPs — Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) & Tran Gender (TG), Entertainment Workers (EWs)/Sex Workers, and Injected Drug Users (IDUs) — are also severely challenging with HIV/AIDS infection due to stigma and discrimination.
Some 64 Cambodians from NAA, the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHARD), and other civil society working in responding to HIV/AIDS and other related issues, including a journalist from New Youth, participate in the ICAPP11 which is taking place on 18-22 November, 2013 in Bangkok. The ICAAP is the largest forum on AIDS in the region – serving as a forum for sharing knowledge and experiences on HIV/AIDS issues among stakeholders in the region.
The ICAAP11 to deliberate on the theme “Asia/Pacific Reaching Triple Zero” is jointly organised by the Population and Community Development Association, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and other Thai and international institutions, including United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Thousands of people from communities, scientists, academics, governments, international agencies, and private sector as well as media join the five-day ICAAP11.
