Our Work

HIV/AIDS in Cambodia

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The heartbreak and horror of HIV/AIDS is sweeping through Asia, and in particular, Cambodia. On average, more than 20 people in Cambodia die every day die of AIDS, and the disease has become more deadly than the millions of landmines that still dot the countryside from decades of war. Partners of Samaritan’s Purse are helping to bring medical care and restore hope to Cambodia’s people.

Actively working in the urban slums of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we are helping educate men, women, and children about HIV/AIDS. Our partner, TASK (formerly Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor), teaches the urban poor proper hygiene, education, and community development – all of which help reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS – and also provides homecare, including counseling, medical care, and support to those who are suffering from the disease. Workers walk in the shoes of Cambodia’s poor, moving into urban areas, slums, and squatter settlements to share in their everyday lives.

Caring for the Community

Through homecare programs, members of the local community are being trained and equipped to compassionately provide day-to-day assistance and encouragement to people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to providing medical care, community caregivers talk to AIDS patients about health and hygiene, pray with them, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Hong, a 44-year-old mother of two, is one of the many Cambodians who receive encouragement, assistance, and medical care from community caregivers. When she was eight months pregnant with her youngest daughter, AIDS claimed the life of her husband. Hong was devastated. Sad and afraid, she did not go for HIV testing. Two years later, Hong began to feel sick, and when she finally went for blood tests, she discovered that she too was HIV-positive.

Unable to afford medicine or care for herself, Hong found herself in a desperate situation until she was contacted by a community caregiver who offered assistance and medical care. With each visit, the loving caregiver tended to Hong’s needs and taught her to care for her health, but she also prayed and shared the Gospel message with Hong. Through this incredible display of love and faith, Hong came to believe in Jesus and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. Today, Hong attends a local church and has placed her hope in God, trusting Him with her life.

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray that God will continue to provide direction to Samaritan’s Purse, as we respond to people’s needs, share the love of Christ, and serve the church worldwide.		Give Support our work with vital HIV/AIDS programs and projects around the world. Donate Here.