Cambodia's Avian Influenza Awareness Campaign Targets Schools in 10 Provinces

The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with international NGOs, has launched an extensive awareness campaign on Avian Influenza (AI) prevention. This initiative, part of the Global Health Security Programme launched in 2023, aims to educate 20,000 people across 10 provinces, with a particular focus on schools.

Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a significant public health threat due to its potential to spread from birds to humans. The campaign's primary goal is to prevent outbreaks by educating communities on important preventive measures. These measures include reporting sick and dead poultry to local authorities, avoiding contact with ill or dead birds, and ensuring proper cooking of poultry products.

The campaign's focus on schools underscores the importance of educating young people and their communities about AI prevention. By targeting schools, the initiative aims to instill knowledge and practices that can help curb the spread of the virus. The campaign will conduct 80 school forums in 10 provinces, reaching 20,000 individuals.

This initiative is particularly timely given the recent incident involving a 9-year-old boy, Virun Roeurn, who died of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) on February 8, 2024, in Kratie province. Dr. Sreyleak Luch, a doctor at the provincial hospital, suspected AI due to the boy's rapid decline and his family's contact with a dead rooster. Despite initial skepticism from her colleagues, Dr. Luch's prompt action led to the confirmation of the H5N1 diagnosis by the National Public Health Laboratory.

Avian Influenza poses a significant public health threat globally, and educating communities on prevention measures is crucial to preventing outbreaks. If left unchecked, the virus could spread rapidly, leading to widespread illness and even death.

*'And then I just thought: H5N1,'* Dr. Luch recalled. *'It could be bird flu.'* Her vigilance and quick response highlight the critical role of healthcare professionals in disease surveillance and rapid response.

The Global Health Security Programme, under which this campaign falls, is a collaborative effort involving the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and USAID, alongside government institutions. Launched in October 2023, the programme aims to enhance global health security by preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

The campaign has already made significant strides. In 2023, it reached 16,000 people across 64 schools in eight provinces. Additionally, educational activities in five provinces reached 6,875 people outside of schools. The project is set to continue until September 2027, indicating a long-term commitment to AI prevention and control.

As Cambodia continues to grapple with the threat of Avian Influenza, the awareness campaign serves as a vital tool in educating the public and preventing future outbreaks. By focusing on schools and leveraging the Global Health Security Programme, the initiative aims to create a well-informed community capable of responding effectively to AI threats.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia launches Avian Influenza awareness campaign targeting 20,000 people across 10 provinces.
• Campaign focuses on schools, conducting 80 forums to educate young people and their communities.
• Avian Influenza poses a significant public health threat, with potential to spread from birds to humans.
• Preventive measures include reporting sick/dead poultry, avoiding contact, and proper cooking of poultry products.
• Global Health Security Programme aims to enhance health security by preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.