About Dr. Vum

As well as working for the government in the local hospital, Dr. Vum provides medical support to DCWO in Battambang province. He talks passionately about their work, describing the vital role of DCWO’s Home Based Carers (HBCs) - like Mong Meon, who’s story you have read and Chhuon Mao - who travel between villages providing essential medicines to treat Opportune Infections that those suffering from HIV are so vulnerable to.

But Dr. Vum knows how important the Home Based Carers are in the communities, providing advice about how people living with HIV and AIDS can get hold of life saving Anti Retro-Viral drugs from doctors like Pao Sovanuin.

Living with HIV and AIDS requires continuous support, and Dr. Vum is filled with admiration for the work of the HBCs.

"The HBCs are crucial in terms of following-up care, they are the frontline. They will give counselling and support, provide management for Opportune Infections and the drugs, and help families to get involved in ways of making money so they can support themselves better."

In the Battambang area, DCWO are working with 124 families affected by HIV and AIDS, and 100 of those are headed by widows whose husbands have died due to AIDS.

Spotlight on Cambodia