Dear John,

Long-term supporters of Health Poverty Action will know that we take the right to health seriously. Mental health is one of the most ignored aspects of health globally, yet it is an essential component of a healthy life.

In Cambodia, we are bringing together researchers and healthcare workers to address mental health problems affecting people living with HIV.   

Our HIV clinic has been in operation since August 2022 in a hospital in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The aim is to ensure HIV patients receive comprehensive care.

We support their physical and mental health and wellbeing - whether providing counselling, helping them adhere to treatment, or addressing social stigma and discrimination.

We screen HIV patients for mental health conditions, so we can support them and, crucially, better understand the link between mental health conditions and HIV. Our researchers analyse patient data, focusing on the intersection between HIV status, mental health conditions and demographic attributes.

This is the first project in the country to assess the link between outpatient care for people living with HIV and mental health!  

Through this research, we aim to improve quality of life for HIV patients. With this information, we can strengthen healthcare systems and better advocate for essential mental health support for people living with HIV.  

Furthermore, if we want to encourage authorities to adopt harm reduction approaches to people using drugs, then securing mental health support for people living with HIV is vital.

People who inject drugs are at particular risk of contracting HIV. When we talk about ensuring people with drug dependence receive appropriate care, we must always include mental health care.

We’re extremely proud to be working alongside researchers, healthcare workers and activists to better support people living with HIV and to demand harm reduction approaches to drugs!

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager

P.S. Donate to our Cambodia in Motion Appeal by 30th June 2023 and your donation will be doubled up to a total of £2,500!