Another HIV-positive resident of Battambang province’s Roka commune passed away this week, marking the latest fatality in a locale where hundreds have been infected with the virus.

Roka commune chief Sem Pov said 76-year-old Sor Mao tested positive for the virus in December, when the outbreak was first detected. He was also diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite undergoing anti-retroviral treatment, Mao succumbed to his illness early this week.

Mao’s death means “the number of HIV-related deaths in Roka commune has reached nine people. Now the authorities are educating [people] and providing medical care for them,” Pov said.

Bi Bengsor, director of the Roka Commune Health Centre, said no new cases have been reported in recent weeks, with the number of people affected by the virus standing at 220. “The [latest] blood tests for HIV are running normally,” he said.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Yem Chrin, the unlicensed doctor charged with causing the outbreak, is now complete, according to Battambang deputy prosecutor Kem Ravy, though no date for the trial has been set. PECH SOTHEARY

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