Cambodia Intensifies Dengue Fever Prevention Amidst Rainy Season, Promotes Non-Communicable Disease Awareness

The Cambodian Red Cross, Kampong Thom Provincial Branch, has urged citizens to be vigilant against dengue fever, especially with the onset of the rainy season. Leng Sokhim, Deputy Director of the Kampong Thom Provincial Red Cross Branch, oversaw a campaign on July 31, 2026, in Krasang Village, Trapaing Ruesi Commune, Kampong Svay District, where larvicide (Abate) was applied to houses to prevent mosquito breeding. The event saw the participation of approximately 67 individuals, including officials, health center staff, Red Cross volunteers, and local residents. Abate was applied to 41 houses. The objective of this campaign is to ensure that all residents in the community understand the measures to prevent dengue fever, as the rainy season brings abundant rainfall and standing water, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Participants were encouraged to adhere to the slogan, "I and my family are model families, because my house and my residence are free of mosquito larvae." During the event, Ms. Leng Sokhim conveyed greetings and well wishes from H.E. Noun Pharat, Chairman of the Kampong Kampong Thom Provincial Red Cross Committee. She also highlighted another important topic for a healthy community: understanding the four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that are prevalent daily, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory diseases. These conditions are often linked to daily dietary habits, such as excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat, prompting the slogan "Love yourself, cherish your food." To foster community resilience and adaptation to climate change, residents were encouraged to adapt, reduce plastic bag usage, plant trees in public areas, and refrain from burning or burying plastic bottles in the ground. The campaign also included awareness on HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention, basic first aid for drowning and bleeding victims, protection against lightning strikes, and road traffic safety.