GlobeMed at Rutgers University

Who We Are // GlobeMed at Rutgers University

Founded in 2011, GlobeMed at Rutgers University is one of 46 universities leveraging the resources of college campuses nationwide to build the movement for global health equity. We are partnered with Cooperation for Social Services and Development located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, an organization that fights for the health and human rights of marginalized, at risk communities in the capital.

Our Partner // Cooperation for Social Services and Development in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cooperation for Social Services and Development (CSSD) was founded in 2008 in response to several communities in Phnom Penh at high risk for HIV/AIDS. These communities include women entertainment workers, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users. These groups are highly discriminated against as there is a large amount of stigma surrounding them.

Our Project // $4,000 for an HIV/AIDS prevention program for entertainment workers

This year, GlobeMed at Rutgers University aims to raise $4000 for a project that will directly affect the lives of women entertainment workers in Phnom Penh. The project, “HIV/AIDS Prevention among Entertainment Workers”, will serve as an outreach program that will reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS infection among Entertainment Workers by promoting safe sexual practices. Through discussion groups led by peer facilitators from within the Entertainment Worker community, women will discuss HIV/AIDS and other health related issues and the obstacles they face in getting access to healthcare. Entertainment workers, along with CSSD staff, will have quarterly meetings with stakeholders to discuss the position of Entertainment Workers in society, the issues they face, and the steps to achieving equal opportunity for access to health care services for Entertainment Workers.

The project will also create a support system for these young women and a space for them to express the deeper psychological and emotional struggles they face. This support system is so crucial for these young women who, having left their families in poor provinces behind, sacrifice so much to provide financial aid for their families and struggle with emotional burdens alone. Investment in these women and their children has the potential to improve the lives of those who make up a substantial community in Phnom Penh.