From Awareness to Action: Cambodia's Fight Against Tuberculosis

In the village of O’Krasa, Kep Province, Dr Hun Sokkea, the Director of the O’Krasa Health Center is leading the fight against tuberculosis (TB). At just 35, she has dedicated over a decade to keeping her community healthy and informed.

Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming 1.5 million lives annually. Cambodia has made remarkable progress in combating TB, as reflected in two surveys conducted in 2002 and 2011. Over that period, Cambodia achieved a 45% reduction in the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed TB.

However, challenges persist. According to Dr Sokkea, many residents lack awareness about TB, underestimating its risks and believing it only affects those with a family history. This misconception hinders early detection and treatment, further fueling transmission.

Health workers at the O’Krasa Health Center play a critical role in combating these challenges. They provide free treatment, educate patients, and raise awareness about prevention. Community outreach efforts aim to identify at-risk individuals, helping curb TB transmission and reduce its impact on livelihoods.

A significant milestone for the community came with the third TB Prevalence Survey, launched in 2023 with field operations completed in May 2024. Conducted across 84 sites, the survey confirmed a continued decline in TB prevalence. “We are proud that Cambodians are contributing to understanding TB’s burden and seeking timely treatment,” said Dr Huot Chan Yuda, Director of the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control.

While the official launch of the results and report is planned for March 2025, the preliminary survey results are already shaping Cambodia’s TB strategic interventions for 2025–2027. One key finding revealed that 33,3% of TB cases in 2023 were asymptomatic, compared to 10% in 2011. In response, the program has started introducing AI-assisted chest X-ray technology to improve community screening.

Dr Sokkea hopes to inspire more residents to seek regular health screenings, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. As she reflects, “Health is the most important thing. If we have good health, wealth will follow.” Cambodia’s progress against TB underscores the power of knowledge, collaboration, and care, proving no one must fight TB alone.