Following on from a successful advocacy meeting in Phnom Penh, AUA’s provincial field office hosted a session to discuss IDPoor on July 7 in Kampong Cham.

IDPoor was at the top of our agenda for this forum, which brought together stakeholders from government, civil society and representatives of the local PLHIV community. AUA’s main goals for this forum discussion were to promote a healthy dialogue between stakeholders, and to ensure that PLHIV are considered in policy making decisions around IDPoor. We were very grateful to be once again joined by Mr Keo Ouly, Director of the Identification of Poor Household (IDPoor) Department in Cambodia, who made a short presentation and responded to questions from stakeholders.

The session opened with remarks from a representative of the Provincial Health Department in Kampong Cham, followed by presentations from AUA’s Program Manager/Fundraiser and Kampong Cham Field Coordinator.

We then opened the floor to anyone who had a specific question or concern to raise. Several PLHIV took this opportunity to discuss their personal situation, and in response, received valuable feedback and advice from Mr Keo Ouly and AUA staff. For the government stakeholders in attendance, this was a great opportunity to hear directly from PLHIV about issues they are facing. Mr Keo Ouly expressed gratitude to AUA for organizing this meeting, as he had previously not had a chance to consult with PLHIV before now.

AUA would like to thank the special guests, staff, members of public and other stakeholders who took the time to attend this meeting. We would also like to thank our donor, Solidarité Sida, whose contribution made this event possible.

Advocacy forums are one way AUA promotes a direct dialogue between government stakeholders and PLHIV. Given the changes currently taking place within the IDPoor system, we believe these meetings are vital to ensuring all PLHIV have affordable and equitable access to healthcare. Click here to learn more about AUA’s work in Quality Care Advocacy.