Impact

Sok Ny is a 34 year old mother. During the last five years, Ms Ny has experienced life as a FEW (Female Entertainment Worker). Her monthly salary of $80/month working in a restaurant and selling fruit at night was not enough to support her family. She was approached by a client who asked to sleep with her for $120. Thinking of her family, she agreed to the service. She asked him to use a condom, but he refused. As Ms. Ny thought this job could help and support her family, she continued to work in the industry.

Ms. Ny knows about the high-risk nature of the job, particularly in terms of sexual harassment and sexual health. In terms of sexual health, Ms. Ny has consulted a private clinic where she voluntarily got tested for HIV. The result was not confirmed but did indicate a positive sign of HIV. Her friend then informed her to access VCCT services at Chhouk Sar Clinic. The diagnosis was the same, indicating a HIV+ status.

Ms. Ny agreed to receive treatment in 2010. Thanks to the friendly and competent staff at Chhouk Sar Clinic, she continued treatment. In 2015, her viral load count was undetectable. She recommends both national and international donors continue supporting Chhouk Sar Clinic to help them expand their services to other key populations.

Sreymom is a 3 year old girl. She was living with a persistent, undiagnosed illness until 2015. In 2015, Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC) discovered Sreymom was living with HIV. She was immediately put on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Sreymon consistently attended her medical appointment for three months. Uncharacteristically, she began to miss appointments. The team decided to make a home visit. It was discovered that Sreymom and her family were living in poor conditions. They were originally living with Sreymon’s aunt, but after learning about her diagnosis, they were evicted. Her aunt was afraid her own family might become infected with HIV.

As a result, Sreymom and her family were squatting in an abandoned house in their village. Sreymom’s mother experienced severe mental health issues. Due to the difficult situation, it was hard to get Sreymom to treatment sessions.

Following the visit, HIV counselors provided services to the family and advised them of how best to manage ART to keep Sreymom healthy. The AHC team also provided interventions for the family and community. Sreymom’s mother is hopeful for the future and feels capable of managing Sreymom’s medication.

Today, Sreymom and her family have a proper home to live in thanks to an agreement with the landlord. They no longer face discrimination as they did before. People from the community and NGOs continue to visit Sreymom and her family, providing social and psychological support.

Mrs. Sreymao, 36 years old, grew up as a scavenger along with her husband. At the young age of 16, she decided to use Yama. This continued into adulthood before she changed from Yama to Heroin. Mrs. Sreymao and her husband decided to move to a location where heroin was easily accessible. A known hotspot is Boeung Trabek, where heroin is sold at all times.

It was at Boeung Trabek where Mrs. Sreymao encountered a Korsang outreach worker who educated her in harm reduction. She was referred to MMT services where she received counseling and agreed to take an HIV test. The result showed she was positive for HIV. Mrs. Sreymao was shocked, but counselors did their best to provide emotional support and regular access to pre-ART treatment.

Since then, Mrs. Sreymao has thanked the support network in Cambodia. She hopes the program can incorporate a system that allows patients to take their doses at home. She would also like to thank Korsang, who helped her and other target members to receive MMT services and drug support programs in Cambodia.