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21 March 2002 by Rohan Kay, in Phnom Penh In the 1990s deaths from dengue cast a long shadow in this largely rural nation, killing nearly 1,200 people in three epidemics. Over 33,000 people contracted the mosquito-borne disease in 1990, 1995 and 1998. The '98 epidemic was the worst on record, with 16,216 dengue cases and 424 deaths, according to the Cambodian ministry of health. Since 1998 Cambodian Red Cross and International Federation have worked together to contribute dengue-prevention measures to the ministry of health's national dengue control programme, which includes dengue medical treatment, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The results of this partnership have led to a significant drop in dengue outbreaks. The health ministry estimates that 250 children's lives have been saved and 5,000 severe cases of dengue avoided in 2001 through the dengue-prevention efforts of the Cambodian government, the Cambodian Red Cross, the International Federation and other partners Seija Tyrninoksa, the International Federation's head of delegation in Cambodia, says most dengue cases in Cambodia stem from a lack of awareness about how the disease spreads. Dengue fever (DF) and its more virulent cousin, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), are caused by a day-biting mosquito that breeds in stagnant water in the tropics. Those with DF or DHF suffer from rashes, fevers, and joint and muscle pains that, in the absence of medical treatment, can lead to death. "It is important to reduce DF and DHF morbidity through preventive measures and create community awareness to reduce or control mosquito breeding sites," Ms. Tyrninoksa says. Following the DF and DHF outbreak in 1998, the Cambodian ministry of health's national dengue control programme launched a prevention campaign in coordination with other partners. Cambodian Red Cross contributed to the programme by mobilising Red Cross volunteers and youths in communities around the country to educate people and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, mostly found in built-up areas. In 1999, dengue cases slumped to 1,530 and deaths to 37. In the following year, dengue cases inched up to 3,148 with 73 deaths. In 2001 the Cambodian Red Cross and International Federation, again in partnership with the national dengue control programme and WHO, undertook vigorous dengue prevention efforts. The International Federation funded the first round of the ministry of health's distribution of abate (non-toxic larvacide) to 690,000 households in 15 of Cambodia's 24 provinces. (The WHO secured majority of the funding for this government national dengue control programme and provided technical assistance.) Cambodian Red Cross volunteers and youths generated community awareness of the disease, conducted education campaigns using brochures and posters and mass media publicity; and ran clean-up campaigns to rid high-risk communities of stagnant water, of which the most common is the family water urn. Thanh Le, the International Federation's water and sanitation officer for East and Southeast Asia, says the Cambodian Red Cross has been instrumental in encouraging families to clean their water jars of mosquito larvae. The prevention work continues in the next few months, says Mr. Le, as the peak season for DF and DHF in Cambodia is April and July, the months that mark the start and end of the country's annual rainy season. Ms. Tyrninoksa estimates more than 3,6 million people in 21 of Cambodia's 24 provinces will benefit from this year's dengue-control campaign. The Cambodian Red Cross is seeking funds for 80 metric tons of abate to be distributed to 665,000 households, as well as 230,000 leaflets and 30,000 posters on DHF prevention for distribution through health education and clean-up campaigns by Red Cross volunteers and youths. Red Cross volunteers and youths will also hand out 10,000 treated (with pyrethroid insecticide) water urn lids to prevent mosquito breeding in water urns, plus 10,000 posters and 80,000 leaflets on the use of this urn lid. This process will be planned in association with the ministry of health, WHO and some selected organisations and agencies involved in water and sanitation programming in Cambodia.. In addition, Cambodian Red Cross will recruit 150 people to join the estimated 10,000 Red Cross volunteers and youths in Cambodia to educate their communities about dengue awareness, prevention and early treatment as part of this planned operation. "Our strength is the trained grassroots level Red Cross volunteer and youth networks which can be easily mobilised nation wide for these type of campaigns to demonstrate the Power of Humanity for the benefit of the most vulnerable in our country" says Professor My Samedy, Secretary General of the Cambodian Red Cross. "We are very pleased about this continued partnership." The programme is also being presented to the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), a potential donor. This decade may see an end to the prevalence of dengue in Cambodia. Thousands of Cambodians will avoid the ravages of dengue because of the dedication of the Red Cross acting in concert with the government, WHO and other partners. Read more about the Federation's water and sanitation activities |
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