The World Health Orgnisation (WHO) granted a decision to Cambodia recognising that the country had eliminated lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, as a public health problem.
A patient of lymphatic filariasis (Photo: alamy.com)
Phnom Penh (VNA) – The World Health Orgnisation (WHO) on October 11 granted a decision to Cambodia recognising that the country had eliminated lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, as a public health problem.
Cambodian Health Minister Mom Bunheng said the recognition is the pride of Cambodian people and the result of efforts made by the local health sector to fight diseases and improve public health.
Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease affecting populations in tropical countries. The disease is caused when filarial worms, transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, damage the body's lymphatic system, leading to severe disfigurement, pain, disability and recurrent acute attacks. The damage to the lymphatic system results in swelling and disfigurement of arms, legs or other body parts, resulting in a condition called elephantiasis. These disfigurements, and the stigma associated with them, often cause patients to lose their livelihoods and become psychologically affected.
🌺 The disease has been found in Cambodia’s northeastern region which borders Vietnam’s Central Highlands.-VNA
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Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
A patient of lymphatic filariasis (Photo: alamy.com)
