Cambodia Urges Heightened Dengue Fever Prevention Amid Rising Cases

Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, has reiterated his call to all provinces and the capital to heighten their attention to combating dengue fever, as the disease is seeing a concerning rise in cases. The reminder was issued during the first leadership meeting for August, held on August 3rd, aimed at setting directions and boosting ongoing work. The meeting was attended by ministry leaders, central units, the Phnom Penh Municipal Health Department, and participants via Zoom. During the meeting, the Minister instructed the provinces and the capital to increase regular activities to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, spray insecticides, apply larvicides (Abate), and continue health education and dissemination on self-protection against dengue fever. He also urged them to ensure timely access to the nearest health services for those suspecting dengue infection. Furthermore, he advised hospital leaders to enhance the production of educational messages and videos to increase public health knowledge, particularly regarding infectious and non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and oral health. He noted that investments in the health sector would yield long-term results. The Minister also encouraged the Department of Health Promotion to collaborate and accelerate work through digital systems, connecting with relevant ministries and institutions to expedite online and electronic processes. The department was also tasked with reviewing work progress from the office level to strive for the achievement of planned indicators and to strengthen good cooperation with relevant ministries and institutions. "Our efforts to protect the health of our people by increasing the production of health education materials in all forms on major diseases and health measures is contributing to increasing public health knowledge for everyone," Minister Ra emphasized. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local