The Preah Vihear provincial health department has issued a directive to local officials to begin administering vaccinations against 11 diseases, including Covid-19, to children. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of several diseases, lower mortality rates and alleviate poverty.

Department director Kuong Lo announced on October 4 that the campaign began at the beginning of this month. Vaccines have been distributed to health posts, health centres and hospitals for administration to children and infants throughout the province.

The vaccination programme provides protection against tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, haemophilic pneumonia, meningitis, streptococcus pneumonia, measles, rubella and encephalitis. Additionally, women of reproductive age are receiving tetanus vaccinations as part of the campaign.

Lo explained that newborns must receive vaccines against TB and hepatitis B. The inoculations not only protect them from these diseases but also make it easier to diagnose any potential symptoms should they become ill.

“These vaccinations hold immense significance, because they can prevent various diseases, significantly reducing child morbidity and mortality rates, and thereby playing a crucial role in poverty reduction,” he explained.

As per the health department's strategy, officials have been designated to serve villages and communes located more than 5km away from health centres, while people residing within a 5km radius can access services directly at the centres.

Lo also noted that the Ministry of Health has initiated a nationwide October campaign to administer HPV vaccines to nine-year-old girls.