The Royal Government of Cambodia Awards the ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ to Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - (Business Wire) The Royal Government of Cambodia has awarded its prestigious “Royal Order of Sahametrei” to Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ is a medal of honour conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and to the Nation by Royal Decree of His Majesty, the King of Cambodia. This award recognizes Dr. Thangsing’s exemplary contribution and dedication towards humanitarian services rendered by him and the organization for the people living with HIV/AIDS and general public in Cambodia. The selfless and passionate mission has saved many lives and restores dignity and hope for many people infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cambodia.

The “Royal Order of Sahametrei” was conferred after a citation by His Excellency Professor Mam Bun Heng, The Honorable Minister of Health, on behalf of the Prime Minister, The Royal Government of Cambodia on Wednesday, January 21^st, 2009. The Honorable Minister announced, “This is a big honor and my proud privilege to hand over the ‘Sahametrei’ to you, to honor and recognize your selfless dedication and contribution to better the lives of our people.”

Accepting the award Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing said, “I am deeply honored and humbled for being awarded the prestigious ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei.’ My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia – The Ministry of Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI (NCHADS) AIDS Healthcare Foundation and to the highly committed wonderful AHF Cambodia Cares team for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who willingly endeavor and risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and have the courage to fight for the underserved and unserved and for those who cannot do it themselves.”

Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS, son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing, graduated from North Eastern Regional Medical College and was a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences trained in Applied Psychology, HIV/AIDS. He has to date dedicatedly worked for over twenty years as a physician, HIV specialist, an activist in the fight for HIV/AIDS. He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America. AHF Asia Pacific bureau operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.

Michael Weinstein, President – AIDS Healthcare Foundation in his congratulatory message said, “What a great honor. We are all brimming with pride. We don't do this work for the glory, but recognition such as this only confirms the importance of what we do. Lal, on behalf of the entire AHF family, please accept my hearty congratulations. May this medal spur you to new heights of achievement - for when you achieve - so many people benefit. I know that this will be the first of many honors that you will receive for your contributions to humanity.”

Dr. Chhim Sarath, AHF Cambodia Cares – Country Program Manager said with pride, “This recognition not only honors the leadership of Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing but the entire family of AHF and this is truly an encouraging, inspiring and great motivator. I am very happy and proud for this is a wonderful day for us all in Cambodia. We are highly inspired and we shall do better and be a stronger team.”

In 2005, AHF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia to collaborate and provide a comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support program in Cambodia. Currently, AHF Cambodia Cares operates at 11 sites. The programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening of continuum of care services, networks and partnership with collaborators and all relevant stakeholders. The sites are Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pea Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey. Today, this landmark collaborative program provides life saving services including antiretroviral treatment to over 6,000 patients.

About AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the US’ largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organization. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 95,000 patients 21 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org.

AHF Cambodia Cares ART centers provide testing, psycho-social support services and anti-retroviral treatment including both pediatric and second-line treatment. The facilities provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment and holistic services, and serve as one-stop shops for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Currently AHF Cambodia Cares serves the Cambodian people through 11 centers and caters over 6,000 people with HIV/AIDS working with NCHADS and other local and international stakeholders.

In the Asia/Pacific region, AIDS Healthcare Foundation currently provides free anti-retroviral treatment services to people in need through its clinics in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Viet Nam, China and Nepal.

CAMBODIA
AHF Cambodia Cares
Dr. Chhim Sarath, Country Program Manager
+855-978-088-888 Work
+855-12-912-124 Mobile
Chhim.sarath@aidshealth.org
or
INDIA
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Chinkholal Thangsing, MD
Asia Pacific Bureau Chief (New Delhi)
+91-98-1827-0687 Mobile
chinkholal.thangsing@aidshealth.org
or
UNITED STATES
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Ged Kenslea, Communications Director
+1-323-860-5225 Work
+1-323-791-5526 Mobile
+1-323-468-0400 Fax
Gedk@aidshealth.org