When we first set out to treat tuberculosis in the poorest communities in eastern Cambodia in 1994, we were amazed at what we found. The rural farmers were materially destitute, yet they were rich in family ties and supportive community networks. We realized early on that the CHC must find a way to leverage this social collateral in any successful treatment program.

That insight gave rise to the CHC model. By training community health workers, delivering home treatment, enlisting patient supporters, and providing food, free medicines and economic opportunities, the CHC has successfully treated thousands of Cambodians for TB and AIDS. We have done whatever it takes to accomplish this, realizing early on that failure was simply not an option.

Our success has broken the stereotypes and overcome the biases that existed in the international community. We have shown and continue to show that the poorest people on the planet can successfully follow complicated regimens of TB and AIDS drugs to be cured of TB and to lead healthy lives with AIDS.

All people want to be well and the CHC has proven that, if given the proper support, any one can and will achieve that goal. 

 

1. Providing free TB and AIDS care to the poorest Cambodians.

2. Supplying food and microfinance opportunities to address the root causes of these diseases, which include malnutrition and poverty.

3. Partnering with families, communities, and international agencies to achieve TB cures and successful treatment of AIDS. 

4. Partnering and coordinating efforts with National Health Systems to ensure sustainability.

5. Performing clinical and basic research to improve care now and to discover new therapies for the future.

6. Scaling up the success of this model to have a greater impact on health at the national and international levels.

7. Advocating for access to TB and AIDS drugs for all and greater resources for care and research worldwide by exposing the tragedy of TB and AIDS through testimonies, lectures, publications and exhibits.