US CDC head pledges ongoing cooperation
MANDY Cohen, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between Cambodian health authorities and the CDC in the prevention and early detection of respiratory diseases, as well as in public health emergency preparedness and response.
During her official three-day visit to Cambodia from February 7-8, Cohen met with senior Cambodian officials and public health partners, as detailed in a press statement from the US embassy in Phnom Penh.
It noted that Cohen’s engagements included meetings with Minister of Health Chheang Ra and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“During the meeting, she acknowledged the 22-year partnership between the CDC and Cambodia and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration,” said the statement.
US ambassador W Patrick Murphy noted that Cohen’s visit underscored the enduring commitment of the US to enhancing public health in Cambodia.
“[CDC’s] ongoing partnerships have helped Cambodia effectively address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis [TB], malaria, influenza and rabies. The US government, including the CDC and other US health agencies working in Cambodia, also helped authorities launch one of the most successful early responses to the outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere in the world,” he added.
The embassy disclosed that Cohen’s itinerary included visits to live poultry market Orussey, the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH), the National Institute for Public Health’s (NIPH) laboratory and the CDC office in Phnom Penh, in order to showcase the ‘robust’ joint efforts between the CDC and its partners in preventing, detecting and responding to emerging viral respiratory threats.
According to the embassy, Cohen visited the Tuol Kork Health Centre, where she observed firsthand the CDC’s local partnership initiatives in addressing HIV and other infectious diseases. Her tour also included the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where she learned more about US support for justice, accountability and preserving the memories of the victims of atrocities.
“Dr Cohen engaged in constructive discussions on global health security while reaffirming the [CDC’s] commitment to advancing core public health capacity to protect the health and safety of the people of Cambodia,” said the statement.
The health ministry noted that Cohen also pledged continued cooperation towards achieving Cambodia’s goal of malaria elimination by 2025, in a February 7 social media post.
The ministry highlighted her commendation of Cambodia’s adept handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly noting the high vaccination uptake.
Nuth Sambath, president of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, acknowledged the US’ advanced research in transmissible diseases.
He emphasised that US cooperation in the health sector, particularly in providing training, would significantly enhance the capabilities of local medics.
“The US possesses extensive expertise in combating transmissible diseases, especially in tropical regions. Assistance from [them] in human resources would be immensely beneficial for Cambodia, as we currently face a shortfall in this area,” he said.