Abstract

PIP: The authors of this paper visited Cambodia in March 1994, as part of the Ministry of Education program of international cooperation in AIDS research, to investigate the current status of the AIDS epidemic and develop plans for prevention and control. Cambodia is faced with an HIV crisis; examples are the dramatic increase in HIV-positive blood donors (0.08% in 1990, 3.6% in 1994) and the high rate of infection among high-risk behavior groups. The route of infection in all cases in which it was traceable was heterosexual. While the heterosexual route is considered to be the major route of transmission, unclean needles used in medical services are also suspected. Since 1991, aided by the World Health Organization, HIV infection surveillance and a comprehensive national plan for AIDS prevention and control have been established. In cooperation with nongovernmental organizations, policies have been put into effect. With the decline of the country's socioeconomic structure, however, the level of public hygiene has been drastically reduced and HIV/AIDS prevention and control plans have been facing great difficulties. Now, at the onset of the epidemic, which is a crucial time, there is urgent need for international assistance.