[Action of Pharmaciens Sans Frontieres International Committee: an example from Cambodia].

Pharmaciens Sans Frontières Comité International (PSFCI) has been active in Cambodia since 1990. Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and has the highest rate of HIV infection in Asia. Early on the PSFCI was faced with problems related to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and AIDS. Based on this field experience PSFCI has been able to better understand the pandemic and to define control strategies. Since 1996 PSFCI has been contributing to the implementation and development of multi-component strategy against AIDS and other STD. One component of this strategy involves upstream intervention with prevention and awareness campaigns and deployment of methods best suited to the cultural and socio-economic environment of vulnerable populations. Another component consists in implementation of a screening and treatment network of competent healthcare professionals able of providing patients not only personalized confidential care but also the psychological support necessary to ensure long-term compliance with treatment. The last component involves training of healthcare personnel and social workers so that these programs can be extended throughout the country.