Authors: Tia Phalla, Hor Bun Leng, Po Samnang

Foreword

This report is based on a mapping of HTV vulnerability along selected sections of secondary and tertiary feeder roads along National Road Number Six. This mapping was done as part of the preparatory phase of the World Bank Provincial and Rural Infrastruc¬ture Project (PRIP). This project aims at reducing rural poverty through economic and social development, thus facilitating the reintegration of the four target provinces into mainstream national development. The development objective of the PRIP is to provide sustainable and safe access to markets and essential services for people located in rural areas of Kampong Thorn, Siem Reap, Odor Meanchey, and Preah Vihear.
Road and infrastructure development in the Asia and Pacific region encourages regional economic development. However, a large influx of people (i.e. construction workers, road engineers and truckers) during this form of development has resulted in increases in HIV prevalence. The exposure of inhabitants, who previously had little or no contact with the outside world, has facilitated HIV proliferation. The increasing prevalence of HIV takes away the benefits from rehabilitation and development of the road system. The ASEAN leaders recognized the importance of the Chiang Rai Recommendation1, adopted in 1999, when they again reiterated the importance of regional cooperation in reducing HIV vulnerabilities related to population movement and development at the ASEAN summit in 2001.
In this era of globalization, the ASEAN member countries are committed to completing and linking member countries through the Trans-ASEAN Highway. Unless the Chiang Rai Recommendation is fully integrated into the development contracts, containing a sound HIV prevention programme, and is properly implemented by a qualified service provider, the development of the ASEAN Highway could expand the HTV epidemic. The UNDP South East Asia HIV and Development Programme, in collaboration with the World Bank, provides technical assistance in HIV and development. It has facilitated the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Rural Development- Cambodia, in ensuring the Route Six rehabilitation project is in compliance with the Chiang Rai Recommendation.

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974-91403-2-X

March 2004