PHNOM PENH — In a historic milestone for public health, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has officially congratulated Cambodia for successfully achieving the global 95-95-95 HIV targets.
The recognition positions Cambodia as a global leader in healthcare, making it one of only seven countries worldwide—and the very first in the Asia-Pacific region—to hit these stringent benchmarks ahead of the 2030 deadline to end AIDS as a public health threat.
UNAIDS Commends Cambodia’s Healthcare Leadership
The announcement came during a courtesy call and working meeting on Friday morning, June 12, 2026, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet hosted Mr. Eamonn Murphy, the Director of the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
During the high-level dialogue, Mr. Murphy praised Cambodia’s broad socio-economic progress and highly commended the Royal Government’s strong leadership in nation-building, development, and healthcare infrastructure.
“Cambodia is one of only seven countries globally and the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to successfully attain these global targets,” Mr. Murphy stated, encouraging the Kingdom to share its successful experiences and best practices with the rest of the world.
Understanding the 95-95-95 HIV Targets
The 95-95-95 framework is a global roadmap established by UNAIDS to track and accelerate progress toward ending the AIDS epidemic. Cambodia’s achievement means the country has successfully met the following criteria:
- First 95%: 95 percent of all people living with HIV in Cambodia know their HIV status.
- Second 95%: 95 percent of those diagnosed are receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Third 95%: 95 percent of those receiving treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus is undetectable and cannot be transmitted.
Mr. Murphy highlighted that the integration of Cambodia’s national social protection policy framework has been a driving catalyst behind these numbers, ensuring vulnerable populations have continuous access to life-saving healthcare.
A People-Centred Approach to National Growth
In response to the accolades, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep appreciation for the United Nations’ continuous contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic landscape.
Prioritizing Public Health
The Prime Minister emphasized that successive administrations, including the current seventh-mandate Royal Government, have consistently prioritized a people-centred development approach. By focusing on healthcare, education, and job creation, the government aims to solidify the foundational pillars necessary for sustainable national growth.
The Road Beyond 2026
Despite the monumental celebration, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet maintained a grounded stance on the country’s health security. He stressed that HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases continue to be classified as major public health risks that require sustained, uninterrupted attention.
The Premier reaffirmed the Royal Government’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with international development partners, urging UNAIDS to continue strengthening its engagement and cooperation with Cambodia to safeguard the health sector for future generations.
Also Read, South Korea’s KBI Group Prepares Cambodian Entry Following High-Level Seoul Meeting
