A Cambodian doctor is about to spend 25 years of his life in prison for manslaughter after causing at least 200 HIV infections in a rural village. His charge was downgraded from murder, which could have meted him a life sentence.
Yem Chrin, 56, worked as an unlicensed physician in Roka, a rural area located in the northwestern region in the country, for almost 20 years. In Cambodia, it's common among unlicensed doctors to operate there due to limited access of certified health providers.
He was simply trying to help the community, he said during his court hearing, but it only led to around 200 confirmed cases of HIV as he later admitted to reusing potentially infected syringes and medical equipment.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection is a life-threatening condition that leads to the gradual destruction of the body's immune system due to viral attack. Over time, it develops into AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Both HIV and AIDS do not have any cure yet, although anti-viral medications are available to extend the patient's life and improve health outcomes.
HIV can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids. In this case, the syringe may contain a trace of blood contaminated by the virus.
The case was discovered when an elderly, aged 74, who lived in the village died of the infection in November 2014. Upon tracing, the health authorities discovered the outbreak in the village, including 16 family members and 12 schoolchildren infected with HIV. It's believed that around 10 more deaths can be attributed to the mass infection.
Chrin was later arrested by December 2014.
Despite admitting using dirty needles, Em Sovann, his lawyer, mentions his client maintains his innocence and that he's willing to represent Chrin again should the doctor decide to appeal his conviction.
Cambodia currently has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in Asia. First detected in 1991, there are already more than 74,000 people with the disease, according to UNAIDS data in 2014.
