Cambodia

This section contains an expanded situation analysis, and details about the Cambodia Country Flexible Program. 

Cambodia is located in South-eastern Asia and shares borders with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.  Due to its location, Cambodia has been an important transit country for illicit drug trade. Since the mid-1990's, Cambodia has been a transit country for heroin and cannabis. More recently, the trafficking of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) into Cambodia has increased exponentially. 

In Cambodia, the drug of choice is Yama (methamphetamine) and the use of cannabis, heroin, opium and ecstasy are also prevalent. Smoking is the most common method for using illicit drugs in Cambodia.  

Of concern is the increasing trend towards injection of heroin which has grown by an average of 4 to 5 per cent per year among substance-using street youth since the practice began to be established in 2000. Recent studies show that the injection of heroin is prevalent among older male street children aged 15+ years. Heroin use has also become more prevalent in the female population and the increase of heroin injection among female users is of significant concern.

Due to the lack of surveillance data, the true nature and extent of drug-related HIV prevalence and risk is unknown. The limited data available suggests an increase in injection of drugs in major urban centres and it is acknowledged that IDUs are emerging as a key population at high risk of HIV. 

While the methods of administering glue and ATS do not pose an immediate risk of HIV transmission, the behaviours associated with their use increase HIV vulnerability through high-risk sexual behaviour e.g. non-use of condoms.  Further measures to reduce the harms associated with ATS are urgently required.

Although the Law on the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS endorses harm reduction and the Drug Control Master Plan identifies specific prevention activities, drug use remains outside any specific department's responsibility. Despite impressive advances in HIV prevention, care and treatment, the legal and policy enforcement remains weak.

Map of Cambodia. Source: Google Maps