The Cambodian Red Cross’ (CRC) National Elite Working Group recently provided training in maternal, child and reproductive health and primary healthcare to 86 university students.
Mom Chanthy, CRC Health Department deputy director, said the students had gained an excellent understanding of the subjects on offer, as well as increased awareness of the causes and symptoms of cervical and breast cancer. She hoped they would share their newfound knowledge with their peers.
The training also addressed HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention and strategies to mitigate cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Men Neary Sopheak, CRC first deputy secretary-general, stressed the importance of prioritising education and raising awareness among students and youth about these vital health issues.
“Our HIV/AIDS awareness campaign is a nationwide initiative which aligns with Cambodia’s development goals and the UN secretary-general’s joint action plan for women’s and children’s health,” she said.
A CRC statement explained that the student education campaign aligns with its 2021-2030 Strategy, which focuses on supporting the most vulnerable members of society. In doing so, it assists the healthcare work of public authorities nationwide.
Additionally, the CRC believes that by imparting invaluable life skills to the students, they will serve as educational models for their peers, as well as their families.
Awareness and youth outreach are integral components of phase one of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which centres on health and human resource development, on order to produce a healthy and capable populace.