PM Appreciates TB Control, Calls On More Work

Phnom Penh, March 23, 2024 --

The Prime Minister commends Cambodia's achievements in fighting against tuberculosis (TB) and advises further acceleration of the service.

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet shared the remark in an open letter to mark the World TB Day, Mar. 24, themed 'Yes! We can end TB.'

Cambodia has transformed herself from a country among others with the highest TB prevalences in the world into one considered a role model in fighting the disease, he said.

New TB cases dropped from 579 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 320 in 2022, which is a 45 percent decrease.

The TB death rate also declined by around 45 percent, from 42 cases per 100,000 in 2000 to 23 cases in 2022.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted that Cambodia should not be complacent with the success but work harder to overcome the challenges faced in fighting TB.

Promoting the health and quality of life of the people is top on the government's agenda, he continued.

From there, he called on the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders at all levels to mobilise available resources and accelerate TB tracking and treatment services, aiming for a success rate of more than 90 percent.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet ended his message by thanking the ministry and its officials, as well as other players in the area, for their hard work so far.