WHO representative to Cambodia Li Ailan and health ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine on a field visit to Kampong Thom province in June. Photo supplied
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia has urged more effective interventions and called for greater community participation to suppress Covid-19 transmission in the country, saying Cambodia is at a pivotal moment in the fight against Covid-19.
“We must do everything we can, to prevent the spread of the virus and its devastating health, social and economic effects”, WHO representative Li Ailan said in a press statement on June 14.
She added that it was crucial to find more effective ways to ensure implementation of and compliance with public health measures with wider community participation.
“I fully understand that people are tired after an 18-month fight against the virus, but we have no other choice. We must step up our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19. Everyone has a vital role to play,” she said.
WHO also said if the virus spread widely enough throughout the Cambodia then large-scale restrictions and lockdowns could once again be required which affect all areas of life – businesses and employment, religious activities and social gatherings.
WHO encouraged the government and its partners to reinforce strategic evidence-based interventions using a multi-channel and multiplatform approach to reach out and engage with communities to empower them – especially women, youths, community leaders and health workers.
“Do not miss this life saving opportunity. Covid-19 vaccines are a very powerful tool to prevent severe disease, reduce hospitalisations and save lives,” said the statement.
Separately on June 14, Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith said Cambodia could not hide Covid-19 transmission cases from the public.
“This is because the government and the health ministry are working with key development partners such as WHO and the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) to monitor developments in Cambodia and its response to the pandemic,” he said in a weekly meeting with heads of the ministry’s five general directorates.
He said Cambodia and partners have cooperated to monitor the spread of Covid-19 and jointly address prevention through the introduction of various action plans and key policies by the government to combat Covid-19.
