Cambodia

In 2012, Cambodia was highlighted by the WHO for a 45% drop in TB prevalence between 2002 and 2011, largely due to CHC's Community Treatment Model. Despite progress, Cambodia remains one of 22 high TB burden countries. CHC has treated over 38,000 TB patients since 1994 and continues to serve nearly two million people in three of Cambodia's poorest provinces.

CHC also provides care for thousands with HIV and drug-resistant TB. The Maddox Chivan Children’s Center (MCCC) supports nearly 1,100 children affected by HIV/AIDS. The Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital’s pediatric ward cares for over 400 HIV+ children, and its Pulmonary Center of Excellence has served more than 3,300 patients since 2005.

In 2011, CHC launched a community-based health insurance program, benefiting 28,000 individuals in 2012 and protecting families from financial hardship due to illness.

Ethiopia

By the end of 2012, GHC had initiated lifesaving therapy for over 600 patients with drug-resistant TB in Ethiopia. GHC plans to expand its programs in the Amhara and SNNP regions, following its successful community-based approach from Cambodia.

The Zahara Children’s Center in Sebeta, modeled after the Maddox Chivan Children’s Center, will meet the needs of thousands of children affected by TB and HIV, and will be a key center for treating drug-resistant TB in East Africa.

Cambodia

In 2011, CHC's AIDS programs delivered primary HIV care to 4,300 adults and 1,000 children in Cambodia. The rural AIDS program was the first to integrate TB and AIDS care, setting a global model. The pulmonary ward at Phnom Penh's largest public hospital became a center of excellence for TB and HIV care, partly due to the CAMELIA clinical trial, which showed a 33% decrease in mortality from TB and HIV co-infection.

At the Maddox Chivan Children's Center, 295 children received comprehensive care, and 360 HIV-positive children were treated at the Joseph P. Sullivan Outpatient Center. CHC screened close to 2,000 TB patients for drug-resistant TB and treated 200. They also conducted a pediatric TB diagnostic study, screening over 2,600 children and establishing the GeneXpert system to diagnose TB in two hours, potentially saving up to 150,000 lives annually.

Ethiopia

By the end of 2011, 342 patients began therapy for drug-resistant TB at St. Peter's Hospital in Addis Ababa and Gondar University Hospital. Many patients, including children, faced long waits for curative drugs. The program, recognized for its high cure and adherence rates, is a model for scaling up drug-resistant TB care in Africa. A quarter of the patients are co-infected with HIV. Additionally, ground was broken on the Zahara Children's Center in Addis Ababa, designed to address the needs of children affected by TB and HIV, with plans to open in spring 2013.

Cambodia

In 2010, CHC's community-based treatment model for TB, started in 1994, expanded nationwide, covering all 15 millionCambodians. CHC directly delivered TB care to three provinces: Svay Rieng, Kompot, and Kandal.

Supported by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, the Maddox Chivan Children's Center served nearly 1,000 HIV-affected children, introducing a counseling manual to help children understand their HIV infection. The Annenberg Foundation supported CHC's expansion of drug-resistant TB treatment, aiming for universal access.

The CAMELIA clinical trial, concluded in 2010, showed a 34% decrease in mortality by initiating AIDS therapy 2 weeksafter starting TB treatment. This landmark discovery was presented at the International AIDS Conference and cited by the NIH.

The Joseph P. Sullivan Outpatient Center at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital provided care for over 400 HIV-positive children and enhanced neonatal services. The pulmonary ward, transformed into a teaching ward and Center of Excellence, has served over 1,200 patients since 2006.

CHC's provincial AIDS programs treated over 5,000 patients and conducted a large pediatric TB diagnostic study in Svay Rieng, pioneering Gene Xpert technology for faster diagnosis.

Ethiopia

In 2010, Ethiopian doctors, trained in Cambodia, initiated the first drug-resistant TB treatment program, supported by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, with 171 patients by January 2011. The program expanded to Gondar in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Gondar University Hospital.

GHC/CHC's successes were highlighted at the WHO's expert Consultation Meeting in Geneva. The Zahara Center for AIDS- and TB-affected children, designed by Graft Lab architects, was modeled after the Maddox Chivan Children's Center.

GHC/CHC's work was featured in James Nachtwey's photo exhibition, the international journal Nature, and two ABC news reports on Good Morning America and World News Tonight.

Cambodia

CHC's community-based TB treatment model now covers all 15 million Cambodians through the National TB program, directly supervising care in three major provinces. With support from the Annenberg Foundation, treatment for drug-resistant TB expanded to 144 patients, aiming for universal access.

The Joseph P. Sullivan Outpatient Center at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital provides outpatient care for over 400 HIV-positive children and enhanced pediatric services. The Maddox Chivan Children's Center, supported by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, serves over 700 HIV-affected children with comprehensive programs.

The CAMELIA trial of combined TB and AIDS treatment is in its final phase. CHC began a pediatric TB study funded by the AERAS TB Global Vaccine Initiative and the Gates Foundation. Researchers at Harvard and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, with support from the Annenberg Foundation, NIH, and ANRS, are developing new treatments for severe HIV treatment side effects in TB patients.

Ethiopia

Ethiopian doctors, trained in Cambodia, launched the first drug-resistant TB treatment program in February 2009, supported by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and GHC. Free medicines from Eli Lilly, the Chao Center of Purdue University, and Jacobus Pharmaceuticals have treated 74 patients so far, with national scale-up plans underway.

Architects are designing the Zahara Center for AIDS- and TB-affected children in Addis Ababa, modeled after the Maddox Chivan Children's Center in Cambodia.

Cambodia

In 2008, the Cambodian National TB program scaled up CHC's community-based treatment model nationwide. Reflecting its international expansion to Southeast Asia and Africa, the organization was renamed the Global Health Committee (GHC).

GHC/CHC broke ground on the Joseph P. Sullivan Outpatient Center at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, supported by Jeanne Sullivan. They took charge of outpatient care for nearly 300 HIV-positive children and developed a new model for treating drug-resistant TB, obtaining free medicines from WHO and UNITAID, aiming for universal access.

GHC/CHC researchers began an NIH-funded study in Cambodia on the "paradoxical reaction," a severe side effect in HIV treatment for TB patients. Their work was featured in major photography exhibits by James Nachtwey, raising awareness of drug-resistant TB and the TB-AIDS link.

CHC received a $500,000 grant from the Annenberg Foundation for TB and AIDS programs. GHC/CHC also trained doctors from Vietnam to treat XDR TB with donated medicines from Eli Lilly.

Ethiopia

GHC/CHC received a $2 million gift from the Jolie-Pitt Foundation for work in Ethiopia, planning a center for AIDS- and TB-affected children in Addis Ababa. They conducted training for Ethiopian medical workers, who also received hands-on training in Cambodia.

GHC/CHC made its first site visit to Swaziland to consult on TB care improvements and continued recruitment for the CAMELIA trial, nearing the goal of 660 patients.

2007

James Nachtwey's photo exhibit at the UN spotlights CHC's efforts. CHC develops a countrywide treatment plan for drug-resistant TB and receives Green Light Status from the WHO. CHC convenes the first Drug-resistant TB Working Group Conference. The CAMELIA trial recruits its 382nd patient.

2006

CHC opens the Maddox Chivan Children's Center (MCCC) in Phnom Penh, supported by Angelina Jolie. The Cambodian National TB Program adopts CHC's treatment model countrywide. CHC begins the CAMELIA trial and receives WHO approval to obtain low-cost medicines for drug-resistant TB patients. CHC is featured in three People Magazine issues sponsored by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.

2005

CHC opens an AIDS clinic at Kompong Trach District Hospital. Didier Laureillard joins as CHC's first medical coordinator. CHC expands TB treatment to all of Svay Rieng province with Japan International Cooperation Agency's support. The Svay Rieng village bank microloan program becomes an independent Cambodian Microfinance Institution. Sok Thim is named a Hero of Global Health by TIME Magazine.

2004

The NIH/CIPRA expands the planning grant to a five-year, $2.5 million grant to support the CAMELIA trial. CHC renovates the pulmonary ward at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Phnom Penh, with support from US NIH and the Japanese embassy. CHC starts a pioneering home-based AIDS treatment program and opens an AIDS clinic in Svay Rieng. Thim and Goldfeld publish results of community-based TB treatment in JAMA.

2003

CHC develops the CAMELIA trial to determine the best timing for TB and AIDS medication regimens, receiving funding from the French ANRS. Goldfeld collaborates with photojournalist James Nachtwey to document AIDS and TB in Cambodia. The Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan Foundation enables CHC to buy AIDS drugs for 100 patients for one year.

2002

CHC receives a planning grant from the NIH under CIPRA to establish a TB and AIDS clinical and research network in Cambodia. Goldfeld and Sok Thim return to refugee camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan, contributing to ARC's establishment of the largest healthcare program for Afghan refugees in the Quetta area and starting AIDS prevention activities.

2001

CHC starts treating drug-resistant TB in Svay Rieng using a community treatment model. Goldfeld and Sok Thim expand the CHC model to Pakistan and Afghanistan with the American Refugee Committee. CHC-USA is incorporated as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity.

2000

Sok Thim and Goldfeld publish Curing Tuberculosis: A Manual for Developing Communities. Goldfeld's team discovers a unique immune reaction aiding TB's evasion of host defenses, later found to be a general immune regulation mechanism. Goldfeld begins a long-term research project in the Peruvian highlands around Cusco to study genetic causes of immune response differences in TB among the Quechua people.

The Cambodian war ends in 1992, and Sok Thim, repatriated to Pursat province, witnesses the high TB prevalence and lack of treatment. In 1993, Thim travels to Boston to work with Goldfeld on a TB treatment manual and plans a TB program in Cambodia.

In 1994, the CHC is founded in Svay Rieng by Sok Thim, Goldfeld, and Brian Heidel to deliver TB treatment to rural residents. With private donations, a TB program starts, using approaches from the ARC camp program, including free medicine, food assistance, patient supporters, community health workers, and a village bank/microloan program. CHC collaborates with the Ministry of Health and the National TB Program to ensure sustainability.

CHC partners with OxFAM America and Catholic Relief Services to initiate a microfinance program linked to TB treatment. The Village Bank program makes about 20,000 loans, with close to 100% adherence and cure rates for TB patients. The program's profits train village health workers, crucial in spreading AIDS awareness.

CHC refines its system of training community health workers and patient supporters, creating a standard for outpatient TB treatment in Cambodia and globally. Goldfeld testifies before the US Congressional Hunger Caucus on TB and poverty in Cambodia.

In 1995, CHC begins a research program on TB with Goldfeld's laboratory at Harvard Medical School. In 1997, with private funding, CHC expands its TB treatment to Kompot province and starts HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Svay Rieng and Kompot.

In 1998, Goldfeld's research uncovers the first susceptibility gene for TB. In 1999, CHC's Community Treatment Model begins, with mobile health teams delivering TB medications to remote villagers daily and using village bank networks for TB treatment outreach.

In 1979, Vietnamese troops occupy Cambodia, ending the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. One million refugees flee to camps on the Thai border. In 1980, ARC recognizes TB as a major health issue in the camps. Despite international opposition, Steven Miles and Bob Maat start a TB treatment program in Nong Samet camp in 1981, using a new six-month antibiotic regimen and enlisting family members as patient supporters. This marks the first use of the Community Treatment Model in a war zone.

In 1983, Sok Thim arrives in Nong Samet and begins nursing training. Anne Goldfeld, MD, arrives at the camp, marking the start of her involvement. In 1984, Miles and Maat publish a landmark article showing nearly 100% adherence and many cures. Thim becomes Maat's assistant and later heads the TB program in Site II camp after Nong Samet is attacked. Despite the evacuation, no TB patients miss a dose of medicine.

In 1988, Goldfeld publishes a pioneering article on the medical effects of torture, highlighting rape as a common form. By 1989-90, Sok Thim manages the ARC TB treatment program and becomes head of all camps for the United Nations Border Relief Organization. Goldfeld visits Cambodia, becomes medical coordinator for ARC at Site II, and starts compiling TB patient case histories with Thim. They write a manual for treating TB in war zones and developing countries.

Goldfeld initiates a landmine injury prevention program at Site II, calls for a ban on landmines in 1991, and becomes a leading voice in the fight against landmines. She founds the US Campaign to Ban Landmines in 1994 and advises the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which wins the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.