The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the world’s most serious development crisis. Nearly 58 million people have been affected globally, and the number rises daily with over 15,000 new infections with each day. In Cambodia, the first case of infection was detected in 1991 and currently it has the fastest growing rate of HIV/AIDS in the region. The disease is affecting communities, families, and individuals throughout every section of society. Unfortunately, fear of the disease is a major obstacle to the effective care and prevention of those affected. This fear needs to be tackled both at community and national levels.

GIPA stands for the Greater Involvement of People Living with or Affected by HIV/AIDS. This joint initiative of UNAIDS and UN Volunteers addresses the need to dispel the myths and stigma associated with those living with HIV/AIDS. People who have, or who are suspected of having HIV/AIDS may be turned away from health care services, denied employment, and even shunned by their friends and family. Victims of the disease are often divorced by their spouses, evicted from their homes by their families, and suffer psychological as well as physical abuse. The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS also places a heavy emotional burden on children who cope with the victimization or death of their parents from the disease.

By helping people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) to build support networks and improve their quality of life, this project is encouraging people to break the silence and challenge the discrimination they face. Under a Team Coordinator, 6 National UNV (NUNVs) Specialists and Field Workers have been recruited as GIPA Animators. The Animators are placed at selected institutions as well as with the Provincial AIDS Committees and Secretariats to help them understand and promote the concept of GIPA.
Combating the stigma and discrimination against people who are affected by HIV/AIDS is as important as developing the medical cures in the process of preventing and controlling the global epidemic. The GIPA initiative is an important step in helping Cambodia overcome these obstacles so that people living with HIV/AIDS are recognized as equal and valuable members of society.