Motorists ride past the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT) in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district. Heng Chivoan
The National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT), along with a number of partner organisations, is conducting the third national Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence Survey. It is hoped that the results will improve the management of TB.
A WHO press release explained that the data obtained will allow Cambodia to understand the country’s current TB epidemiology better and improve its TB control, to help end the disease that claimed 1.6 million lives globally in 2021.
Pascal Ringwald, acting WHO representative to Cambodia, said that although multiple sources of evidence indicate that the burden of TB is falling in Cambodia, there is uncertainty as the last survey was conducted more than a decade ago. In addition TB detection and care has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This survey will contribute to an updated, evidence-based strategy that will help to find every case and eliminate TB,” he said.
Huot Chan Yuda, director of CENAT, said the survey team was collecting data from 52 clusters across the country. The results would help Cambodia develop a better plan to end TB, save lives and protect families from medical costs which could push them into poverty, while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and End TB Strategy targets.
“The survey is important to be able to track trends, and ensure that through the screening process, people who test positive are referred for treatment. Early treatment can improve their chances of recovery, reduce their financial distress, and decrease their risk of spreading the disease in their communities,” he added.
The survey, kicked off last week, is being carried out with funding from the Australian Government and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Technical support is being provided by WHO, the Research Institute of Tuberculosis and the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge and USAID. The results are expected in mid-2024.
Australian ambassador Justin Whyatt noted that building the evidence about TB prevalence was an important part of supporting the elimination TB. It sits alongside Australia’s other efforts to help Cambodia improve its healthcare system so everyone has access to quality treatment.
“The data collected will not only help shape Cambodia’s TB-free future but also contribute to the global fight against tuberculosis,” he said.
According to the Second National TB Prevalence Survey, TB prevalence in Cambodia dropped from 269 per 100,000 people in 2002 to 171 per 100,000 people in 2011.
