Nearly 300 paediatricians from across Cambodia met in Siem Reap to exchange knowledge on recent paediatric diseases.
The “8th Cambodian Paediatrics Update Symposium”, held on August 26, saw the participation of 275 medical experts, including members of the Cambodian Paediatric Association. Both local and international speakers shed light on a range of critical issues.
“The conference is a gathering point for paediatricians from Cambodia and abroad. It’s an opportunity to share experiences and introduce new insights into paediatrics, helping all attendees grow professionally,” the Cambodian Paediatric Association said in a statement.
At the heart of the symposium was a series of discussions on varied topics. These ranged from severe gastrointestinal bleeding in children to intense cases of dengue fever treated at Kampong Cham provincial hospital.
The roster included insights on neonatal sepsis and tetanus management from Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital in Phnom Penh.
There was a spotlight on treating paediatric bronchitis and a highlighted case of severe paediatric hives from the National Paediatric Hospital.
Doctors also delved into melioidosis, a rodent-borne disease sometimes affecting newborns. Cases from the Angkor Hospital for Children showcased the illness causing pneumonia and septicaemia.
Challenges of managing chickenpox in newborns at the National Paediatric Hospital were discussed.
There was also a focus on handling haemorrhages from immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) at Kampong Thom provincial hospital.
Professors from Malaysia discussed how to manage growth hormone deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in children.
From Australia, experts highlighted the issue of child abuse. They provided insights on recognising the signs of violence against children and ensuring their protection.
Yit Sunnara, secretary of state at the Ministry of Health and head of the Cambodian Paediatric Association, highlighted the importance of the topics discussed at the conference.
“These discussions are crucial for our workshop participants. They foster understanding, mutual learning, and knowledge exchange. Such interactions are invaluable for advancing paediatric medicine,” Sunnara underscored.
He urged the paediatricians, who hail from hospitals countrywide, to integrate the insights from the conference into their medical practices. The aim is to ensure high-quality, safe paediatric care, always grounded in medical ethics.
“I implore all attendees to share this knowledge with other medical staff. This will enhance healthcare delivery for our citizens, resonating with the government’s six main priorities for 2023,” he added.
