Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Laos, Thailands and Vietnam , and contains a population of around 14.5 million people (CIA, 2005).
The main ethnic groups within the population include Khmer, Vietnamese and Chinese minorities, with Khmer being the main language spoken.
In 2004 it was estimated that 40% of the population of Cambodia fell below the poverty line.
The average life expectancy of males was 60 years old, whilst for females it was 64 years old (CIA,2009).
In 2003, Cambodia was the country with the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in all of Asia. It was estimated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS was 2.3% amongst the population, affecting approximately 170,000 people. (CIA,2005)
The situation has since improved due to interventions and media campaigns. For example, the BBC World Service Trust launched a 2-year mass-media campaign in 2004 to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS, reproductive, maternal and child health issues.
According to 2007 estimates, the prevalence among adults decreased to 0.8%, with around 75,000 people infected with HIV/AIDS. Deaths related to HIV/AIDS amounted to 6,900 per year (CIA,2009).
Despite the encouraging improvements, HIV/AIDS is still a problem in Cambodia that will be continously addressed. According to 2008 statistics, rates of antiretroviral use among children and mother-to-child transmission of the virus has increased.
In response, Cambodia has shifted the focus of its HIV/AIDS prevention efforts from young adults to children. The Cambodian government aims to decrease the prevalence rate to 0.6% by 2010.
Links to learn more:
- Cambodian Information Center: http://www.cambodia.org/facts/
- APCD Factsheet on Cambodia: http://www.apcdproject.org/countryprofile/cambodia/cambodia.html
- CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.html
- UN-OHRLLS: http://www.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ldc/LDCs-List/profiles/cambodia.htm?id=116
- BBC World Service Trust: http://www.terradaily.com/2004/040203095904.j9iqgxio.html
- A Student’s recount of his journey to Cambodia and his experience with HIV/AIDS patients: http://www.brown.edu/Administration/George_Street_Journal/vol29/29GSJ04c.html
- Newspaper article on Cambodian HIV/AIDS situation as of 3rd April 2009: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/03/content_11124479.htm
- Article on HIV/AIDS problem among Cambodian children: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/134750.php
