WHO Cambodia says hope is not lost; although the figures globally, including Cambodia, paint a grim picture

WHO Cambodia says hope is not lost; although the figures globally, including Cambodia, paint a grim picture

The World Health Organisation’s Representative Office for Cambodia has issued a statement saying that “hope is not lost; although the figures globally, including Cambodia, paint a grim picture”.

The full text of the WHO statement is as follows:

Globally, the number of new COVID-19 cases per week has nearly doubled over the past two months – this is approaching the highest rate of infection of the pandemic.

Cambodia has seen a significant increase in cases over the past two weeks, with the number of new cases per day ranging from 157 – 655. In total, 22 provinces have recorded COVID-19 cases, and the total number of cases stands at 9,975, with 74 deaths, as of Sunday 25 April.

“We know that it is never too late to turn the outbreak around -hope is not lost, as long as Cambodia acts as one. One nation and one society – all committed to fighting COVID-19 in solidarity,” said Dr Li Ailan, WHO Representative to Cambodia.

The global evidence to date shows there are at least three essential elements to address the pandemic effectively: leaders must step up to make decisions and take action, the whole of society must be involved, and citizens need to embrace the combined public health measures.

“When all these elements come together, it can turn the tide and slow infections. We have seen strong leadership in Cambodia with difficult decisions and actions taken. But this alone is not enough. It is the working together-in solidarity – across the public and private sectors, and with individuals themselves, that is the key to success in the struggle against COVID-19,” said Dr Li.

COVID-19 is a health crisis, but also a socio-economic crisis. And the response to COVID-19 must go beyond a health response, it is also to protect the economic future of Cambodia. If we do not control this outbreak, there will be disastrous health consequences, but also devastating economic impacts.

“The link between health and the economy has never been clearer than now, which is why the private sector are key partners in efforts to control the outbreak,” said Dr Li.

The virus spreads most easily in crowded, confined places where people are in close contact. In Cambodia examples of such places include nightclubs, entertainment venues, factories and markets, even small businesses, family gatherings and restaurants.

“The current outbreaks in factories and markets serve as a painful reminder of the importance of investing in mitigation measures before cases occur, to help prevent the virus spreading,” said Dr Li