KhmerTimes-May 30, 2025
Cambodia has reported a troubling resurgence of measles, with 2,150 cases confirmed between January and April, marking one of the country’s highest case counts in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have issued a joint warning about falling vaccination coverage and growing vaccine hesitancy, which are threatening the health of millions of children, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, said the rise in measles cases should serve as a “wake-up call” for governments and health institutions. “It highlights the children being left behind — those who haven’t received even a single dose of vaccine, living in underserved communities, missed by routine immunisation and vaccination campaigns,” he said. According to WHO, Cambodia, along with Vietnam, Mongolia, and the Philippines, is facing a sharp spike in measles cases. Vietnam alone has reported more than 81,000 suspected cases this year, while Mongolia recorded nearly 2,700. UNICEF and WHO urged all countries in the region, including Cambodia, to shift from reactive crisis response to a more proactive prevention-based approach. “Measles is not just a health issue — it’s a signal that our systems are faltering,” said June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific. Gavi has pledged additional support for countries like Cambodia to respond to the new outbreak. The organization is funding emergency vaccination campaigns, providing technical assistance, and working to strengthen national immunization systems. Read more at: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501692102/cambodia-faces-alarming-measles-surge-amid-regional-outbreak/#google_vignette
