Cambodia & Health: Ministry of Health calls for vaccination against COVID-19 amid fears of a new wave

The Cambodian Ministry of Health has issued an urgent appeal to citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid fears of a new wave of infections in the region. Health authorities have stressed the importance of this vaccination in stemming the possible spread of the virus.

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry highlighted the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 reported in neighboring countries and warned that Cambodia could face similar problems if preventive measures are not stepped up.

“Vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect the population and avoid overwhelming our health system,” said Dr Chan Vuthy, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry is redoubling its efforts to widen access to vaccines, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, front-line workers and people with underlying health problems. Mobile vaccination units and community outreach programs have been deployed to reach remote areas where vaccination rates remain low.

Cambodia has made significant progress in its vaccination campaign, with over 80% of the eligible population having received at least two doses. However, health authorities remind us that booster injections are essential to maintain immunity, particularly against new variants.

Public health experts also recommend continuing to observe mask-wearing, social distancing and hygiene protocols alongside vaccination, in order to mitigate the risks of transmission.

As the country prepares for the possibility of a new outbreak of COVID-19, the message from the Ministry of Health is clear: vaccination is essential to safeguard public health and support Cambodia on the road to recovery.