PHNOM PENH — Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB), marking World TB Day on March 24.
The observance, held under the global theme “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people,” serves as a rallying cry to accelerate national efforts toward a TB-free future. In a message to the nation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the day is crucial for raising public awareness about the disease’s impact while bolstering social well-being.
A Global Model for Progress
Cambodia, once ranked among the countries with the highest TB burdens in the world, has transformed into a global success story. Over the last two decades, the Kingdom has implemented aggressive screening and treatment protocols that have yielded dramatic results.
According to data shared by the Prime Minister, Cambodia has achieved significant milestones between 2000 and 2024:
| Metric | 2000 | 2024 | Reduction |
| Mortality Rate (per 100k) | 80 | 18 | 78% |
| Incidence Rate (per 100k) | 853 | 272 | 68% |
“The Royal Government has expanded TB screening and treatment services across referral hospitals, health centers, and even at the community level,” Samdech Thipadei noted, highlighting that free diagnosis and treatment have been the backbone of this decline.
Strategic Integration and Future Goals
Despite the progress, the Prime Minister cautioned that TB remains a significant public health concern. Current rates in Cambodia still exceed those of many other nations, necessitating a more “accelerated effort.”
The fight against TB is now a pillar of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, which links public health directly to socio-economic development. To reach the next phase of eradication, the Prime Minister called for:
- Enhanced Research: Investing in new medical technologies and data-driven strategies.
- High Success Rates: Maintaining a treatment success rate of above 90%.
- Expanded Case Detection: Identifying “missing” cases in remote and vulnerable communities.
- Resource Mobilization: Increasing both domestic investment and international collaboration.
“We must turn commitments into concrete results,” the Prime Minister stated, expressing his gratitude to healthcare workers and international partners who have remained on the front lines of this battle.
Call to Action
The Prime Minister concluded by urging all ministries, local authorities, and citizens to prioritize TB response strategies. By fostering a collective national movement, Cambodia aims to ensure that the “Yes! We can End TB” theme becomes a lived reality for every citizen.
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