Staff members of Men’s Health Cambodia, a local non-profit, distribute HIVAIDS information leaflets and condoms in Phnom Penh. Hong Menea
The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications have renewed calls for all relevant officials to prioritise the battle against HIV/AIDS and drug-related issues.
In a step towards this goal, the Stung Treng provincial telecoms department recently organised a workshop with a focus on the commitment to ending HIV/AIDS transmission by 2025 as well as preventing drug trafficking through postal services. Officials representing Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Preah Vihear and Kratie provinces, as well as branch operators, took part in this initiative.
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Kay Khun Heng, a secretary of state for the ministry and chairman of its AIDS committee, said the October 19 workshop served as a platform to bolster and inspire relevant officials to enhance their commitment towards ending HIV/AIDS by 2025.
He underscored that participation in the prevention of drug trafficking via postal services also aligns with the government’s strategic goals and directives to combat both HIV/AIDS and drug misuse.
“Participants are currently engaged as proactive advocates in the mission to eradicate HIV/AIDS and in the efforts to curb drug usage, trafficking and distribution. This includes measures to monitor and restrict the acceptance of packages within the scope of services offered by the postal delivery provider,” he asserted.
NACD secretary-general Thong Sokunthea underscored that intravenous drug users continue to be a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS transmissions. He made this observation during a consultative workshop dedicated to formulating the Sixth National Comprehensive Strategic Plan and a Multi-Sector Response to HIV/AIDS 2024–28.
“Not only intravenous drug users but individuals who use other forms of drugs are still at a heightened risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis and other infections,” he said.
Sokunthea urged meeting attendees to maintain their focus on drug users as a high-risk demographic, stressing the need for suitable interventions to safeguard the welfare of both individuals and their families.
Neth Savoeun, deputy prime minister and chairman of the NACD, recently issued directives for coordinating anti-drug efforts nationwide.
