The Ministry of Health has announced that a vaccine that protects children aged 1 month to 2 years against severe diarrhoea and vomiting caused by the rotavirus will be included in the National Routine Immunisation Program nationwide, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to receive live-saving protection.
The December 10 announcement stated that the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine demonstrates the achievements of cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia, development partners and communities across the Kingdom.
Vaccination is one of the most important public health investments, especially for children. It plays a vital role in reducing mortality, illness and disability among children nationwide. All vaccines provided through the National Immunisation Program are certified for quality by the WHO before being included in the programme.
Minister of Health Chheang Ra noted during the announcement ceremony that although Cambodia is facing border tensions, the health sector remains strong and continues its activities as usual. He instructed provincial and capital health departments to continue prioritising full vaccination coverage for infants, children and the general population.
“Taking children for vaccinations according to the full schedule and all recommended doses provides good health and strength to children, as well as to their families and the entire nation,” he said.
The minister appealed to all parents and guardians to protect their children from preventable diseases by ensuring that they receive all 14 vaccines, bringing infants and children to receive every dose as instructed by health professionals.
The ministry reported that the National Immunisation Program now includes 14 vaccines.
This includes vaccines for tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), chickenpox, measles, tetanus, hepatitis B, pneumonia & meningitis caused by Hib bacteria, pneumonia & meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria, polio, rubella, Japanese encephalitis (JE), Covid-19, cervical cancer (HPV)and the newly added rotavirus vaccine.
The minister also issued several key recommendations to the leadership of provincial and capital health departments and vaccination officers. They should strengthen the implementation of vaccination services effectively and sustainably to achieve high coverage rates at all health facilities. He also encouraged expanding cooperation with the private sector to ensure consistent implementation of vaccination services nationwide.
Operational districts and provincial health departments must continue to monitor and verify immunisation data from all health centres to ensure accuracy, including data from private health services. They must also strengthen disease surveillance, data analysis and rapid response, according to ministry guidelines.
Health centres must continue active case-finding of diseases in communities and cooperate with village health support groups to investigate and report cases and any potential adverse effects following immunisation.
In addition, the minister recommended strengthened cooperation with development partners, associations, religious institutions and local authorities to support vaccination implementation and promote community awareness of immunisation and primary health care. Continued training for village health support groups and increased public outreach about basic knowledge, interpersonal communication skills and vaccine information was also advised.
