Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kampong Speu at high risk of malaria

Kampong Speu at high risk of malaria

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Officials hold a meeting aimed at solving the malaria issue in Kampong Speu province on December 27. FN

Kampong Speu at high risk of malaria

The people of Kampong Speu province are at increased risk of contracting malaria, say provincial authorities. They are not following the recommendations of medical professionals, using their prescribed medication irregularly or stopping taking it entirely.

Long Bonareth, deputy governor of Kampong Speu province, said that thanks to the cooperation of health officials, local authorities and volunteers, malaria had almost been eradicated from the province in the past, but these efforts were now likely to be undone by the irresponsible actions of some members of the community.

“We are unlikely to completely eradicate malaria cases because some people have given up treatment. Some of the people who have had the disease relapse, because they do not follow the instructions of their doctor,” she added.

“Many people live and work in the forest, or collect non-timber forest products there, and the life cycle of mosquitoes revives whenever the rainy season arrives,” she continued.

She said many resources had been used to try to solve the problem of malaria, and it would be a shame to see the good work done by health officials, volunteers and local authorities be undone.

Hok Kry, director of the Kampong Speu provincial Health Department, said malaria was still a concern for the province as was unlikely to be eradicated. He agreed with Bonareth’s assessment, saying that many of the people who entered the forest were failing to follow doctor’s instructions.

“Many of the residents of the most remote villages still have the habit of going into the forest to find non-timber forest products to sell. They stay in the forest for a long time, but do not follow the instructions of the village’s volunteer doctors. They often sleep without a mosquito net or fail to take the anti-malarial medicine they are given. This makes them more vulnerable to malaria,” he added.

He said that in some cases, they did not seek treatment after becoming infected, which could lead to the disease recurring and even endanger their lives.

“In addition, there is a new strain appearing near the border with Pursat province. Known as malariae, it is not possible to diagnose with rapid tests. This makes preventative measures even more important, as we cannot begin to treat it until we can diagnose it,” he added.

According to the Kampong Speu Health Department, in 2022, there were 808 cases of malaria in the province. Four were reported as malariae, the first instances of the strain in the province. The six health centres with the highest number of malaria cases were Oral, Trapeang Cho, Chambok, Tang Samrong, Omlaing and Monorongroeung.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the