Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB), marking World TB Day on Mar. 24 under the theme “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people.”
In his message to his compatriots on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the observance aims to raise public awareness about the dangers and impact of TB while strengthening national efforts to improve public health and social well-being.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted Cambodia’s significant progress in combating TB over the past two decades. Once among the countries with the highest TB burden globally, Cambodia has emerged as a model for effective TB control through sustained national efforts.
He noted that the Royal Government has expanded TB screening and treatment services across referral hospitals, health centres, and even at community level nationwide, ensuring broad access to care.
Free diagnosis and treatment services have contributed to remarkable improvements, leading to a sharp decline in TB-related deaths and infections. The TB mortality rate dropped from 80 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 18 in 2024, a reduction of 78 percent, while the incidence rate fell by 68 percent, from 853 case per 100,000 people in 2000 to 272 cases in 2024.
Despite these achievements, the Prime Minister acknowledged that TB remains a public health concern in Cambodia, with rates still higher than in some other countries, requiring continued and accelerated efforts.
He stressed that strengthening TB prevention and control is essential to improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and supporting socio-economic development in line with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in TB programs, including enhanced research, expanded healthcare services, and broader access to treatment for all.
To further advance national efforts, he urged relevant ministries, institutions, local authorities, and citizens to prioritise key actions, including accelerating TB response strategies, expanding case detection, maintaining treatment success rates above 90 percent, and mobilising additional resources.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, national and international partners, and citizens, for their contributions to Cambodia’s progress in fighting TB.
Samdech Thipadei concluded his message by calling for continued collective action to turn commitments into concrete results, aiming for a TB-free Cambodia and a healthier future for all.
