Last week, AUA staff visited the SMARTGirl Club – an initiative of Phnom Srey Association for Development that takes a unique approach to HIV/AIDS prevention among entertainment workers in Kampong Cham province. Reaching up to 280 women every month, the SMARTGirl Club offers free haircuts and beauty treatments alongside voluntary counseling and confidential HIV testing. The program targets entertainment workers in Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Memot and Ponhea Krek districts, with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes for women and their clients.

AUA staff visited the Club, met with PSAD staff to learn more about the project, and observed a counseling session. Of particular interest to AUA are the innovative techniques PSAD uses to reach its target group. AUA will take these lessons on board when thinking of new ways to extend its own membership and reach more people who are affected by HIV.

You can read more about SMARTGirl and PSAD’s other projects in HIV care, treatment and support on their website.