Cambodia Achieves UN 95-95-95 HIV Targets, First in Asia-Pacific

Cambodia joined a small group of nations that have fulfilled the UN’s 95-95-95 HIV targets, with 95% of HIV-positive citizens aware of their infection, 95% of those receiving antiretroviral drugs, and 95% achieving viral suppression. The achievement, announced in June, marks the first time an Asia-Pacific country has met the 2030 goal set by UNAIDS. Key factors include early government prioritization, a 2003 grant that made treatment free, and innovative community initiatives such as peer-led testing and counseling for sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals.

The national HIV prevalence has fallen from over 2% in the late 1990s to below 0.5% today, with roughly 76,000 people living with HIV, most of whom are on medication. Advocates stress that reducing stigma and involving people with lived experience were essential to the program’s success.