False HIV/AIDS Claims Spark Panic in Cambodia, Prompting Urgent Response from Health Officials
A misleading social media post claiming a surge in HIV/AIDS cases in Cambodia has gone viral, causing widespread fear and confusion. The post, originating from the Facebook account "Hea Ra," falsely asserted that Preah Sihanouk and Takeo provinces harbor approximately 70,000 people living with HIV, with 7,000 not receiving treatment. This figure, in reality, closely approximates the total number of HIV cases for the entire country, as reported by health officials. The post’s author later attempted to rectify the misinformation, but the damage was already done, with the misleading information continuing to circulate across various social media platforms.
The National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHADS), in collaboration with the Takeo provincial Department of Health, has issued a strong rebuttal to the false claims, emphasizing that the post lacks any credible basis and has fueled unnecessary panic in the community. The rapid spread of this misinformation underscores the dangers of unverified information circulating on social media, potentially undermining public health efforts. The incident highlights the urgent need for increased media literacy and responsible online behavior to combat the detrimental effects of fake news.
The Ministry of Information spokesperson, Tep Asnarith, condemned the lack of ethical standards on some social media platforms, stating that it erodes public trust in media and negatively impacts traditional journalism. He stressed the potential for fake news to lead to unforeseen consequences and disasters, destabilizing social security and peace. Asnarith called for content creators on social media platforms to adhere to ethical broadcasting standards and social morality, emphasizing that prioritizing personal gain or popularity over responsible reporting can have severe repercussions. He noted that the fear instilled by this irresponsible dissemination of information has disproportionately affected vulnerable individuals already facing challenges, disrupting their lives and creating unnecessary chaos. He further highlighted the potential for such posts to violate privacy and disrespect the rights and dignity of those affected.
Contrary to the false claims, Cambodia has made significant progress in combatting HIV/AIDS. According to NCHADS, the nation has achieved 89% of the global 95-95-95 target for 2023, meaning that a considerable majority of people living with HIV are aware of their status, receiving treatment, and maintaining a suppressed viral load. However, the spread of misinformation like the viral Facebook post threatens to jeopardize these advancements and hinder public health initiatives. While the country has made great strides, HIV remains a public health concern, and this incident underscores the critical need for continued vigilance in prevention and treatment efforts.
While acknowledging the country’s progress, NCHADS clarified that HIV has not been entirely eradicated in Cambodia. As of 2023, approximately 76,000 people were living with HIV, with 69,413 receiving antiretroviral therapy as of the third quarter of 2024. This leaves an estimated 7,000 individuals unaware of their status and not receiving treatment. Furthermore, 12,000 new HIV infections were recorded in 2023, with 86% occurring among high-risk groups, including sex workers and their partners, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and drug users. In Takeo province specifically, 2,814 people living with HIV were receiving care and antiretroviral therapy as of September 30, 2024, with only 14 patients temporarily out of contact with services. Efforts are underway to locate these individuals and re-engage them in care and treatment programs.
NCHADS has issued a strong condemnation of the false information and has urged all social media platforms and forums that shared the misinformation to remove it or issue a correction immediately. They also appealed to the public to refrain from believing or sharing information without verifying its source. The center further encouraged individuals, especially those at high risk of HIV infection and young people, to prioritize prevention measures and seek testing if they suspect exposure. Emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s status, NCHADS reminded the public that testing is voluntary, confidential, and crucial for making informed decisions about care and treatment. The Cambodian government and various health organizations are strengthening public awareness campaigns to educate individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, about HIV/AIDS prevention and support services. The goal is to empower individuals to take control of their health and seek necessary assistance, ensuring accurate information prevails against the tide of misinformation.