Cambodia Achieves First Global HIV 95-95-95 Targets In Asia-Pacific

Cambodia has become the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve the global 95-95-95 HIV targets, marking a major milestone in the fight against the epidemic. According to the Asia News Network, the Southeast Asian nation has reached 95% of all people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. The World Health Organization (WHO) first set these ambitious targets in 2014 as a benchmark for ending AIDS by 2030.

The announcement comes after years of sustained public health efforts, including expanded testing, treatment access, and prevention programs. In 2023, Cambodia’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STIs (NCHADS) reported that 94% of people living with HIV were aware of their status, a figure that has since crossed the 95% threshold. The country’s success is attributed to its decentralized ART delivery system, which ensures treatment is available even in remote rural areas.

Why does this matter? Cambodia’s achievement sets a new standard for HIV response in the region, where progress has been uneven. While Thailand and Vietnam have made significant strides—Thailand reached 93% viral suppression among those on treatment in 2023, according to UNAIDS—Cambodia is the first to meet all three targets simultaneously. The WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director, Takeshi Kasai, stated in a 2025 report that “Cambodia’s model demonstrates what is possible when political will, community engagement, and scientific evidence align.”

Key to Cambodia’s success has been its focus on early diagnosis and treatment. The country scaled up HIV self-testing kits in 2022, distributing over 1 million kits annually, which helped identify nearly 10,000 new cases in 2024 alone, per NCHADS data. Additionally, the government’s “Treatment 2.0” initiative, launched in 2020, shifted from clinic-based ART distribution to home-based delivery, improving adherence rates. “We’ve moved from a one-size-fits-all approach to personalized care,” said Dr. Sovannaroth Sri, NCHADS director, in a 2025 interview with The Khmer Times.

What comes next? Experts warn that sustaining these gains requires addressing persistent challenges, including stigma and funding. While Cambodia’s domestic HIV budget has increased by 40% since 2020, reaching 95% viral suppression among key populations—such as men who have sex with men and sex workers—remains difficult. A 2025 study in The Lancet HIV noted that only 88% of these groups achieved viral suppression, compared to 97% in the general population. The Cambodian Ministry of Health plans to expand peer-led support groups and mobile testing units to close this gap.

Globally, only 12 countries have met the 95-95-95 targets, with most in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Cambodia’s achievement is particularly notable in the Asia-Pacific, where HIV prevalence remains higher among key populations. “This is a testament to Cambodia’s resilience and innovation,” said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, in a statement. “Other countries in the region can learn from their approach to testing, treatment, and community involvement.”

The next milestone for Cambodia is maintaining these figures while scaling up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk groups. As of 2026, only 30% of eligible individuals are using PrEP, according to UNAIDS. Health officials are also pushing for greater integration of HIV services with other sexual and reproductive health programs to ensure comprehensive care.

For readers tracking global HIV progress, Cambodia’s success offers a blueprint for other nations. The country’s combination of political commitment, data-driven strategies, and community partnerships has delivered results where others have struggled. As the WHO emphasizes, “Ending AIDS is not just about medicine—it’s about equity, access, and empowerment.”