Health
Health action with informed and engaged societies
Health
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Health Systems Strengthening in Cambodia (HSSC) Avian Influenza Project

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This avian influenza prevention programme, which is a component of a larger effort to address various health issues in Cambodia (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and family health) focuses on a package of communication-centred interventions designed to raise public awareness and build capacity to address an infectious disease. Initiated in May 2006, this United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project is being implemented by the University Research Co., LLC (URC) through the Cambodian Ministry of Health (MoH) Hospital Department, local government counterparts, and other partners involved in hospital reform. Known as "USAID-HSSC", this initiative is meant to support the Ministry of Health Avian Influenza Action Plan, which advances a coordinated approach to the poultry epidemic and prevention of human infection of avian influenza. The USAID-HSSC project is being carried out until September 2008 in the provinces of Koh Kong, Kratie, Bantey Meanchey, Siem Reap, Pursat, Battambang, and Phnom Penh.
Communication Strategies

Creating synergy with partners is the key approach of USAID-HSSC. The project plan was developed in what organisers refer to as "extensive collaboration with partners to support the national comprehensive plan." For instance, through a sub-agreement with MEDiCAM, organisers seek to increase cooperation and coordination on avian influenza issues between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in all of Cambodia's development sectors, and to improve AI communication between NGOs, the government, and other partners. Several other components of the USAID-HSSC plan reflect communication-oriented strategies oriented around partnership:

  • In-person capacity building
    • Infection control training covers the case management of avian influenza patients as well as proper infection control procedures and caring for patients in isolation, including transportation of patients to and within the hospitals. Simulation exercises for disaster preparedness are part of this process. In addition, in order to continue the development of the MoH surveillance system for the detection and management of the potential epidemic, USAID-HSSC is working with the Institut Pasteur in Cambodia to train two epidemiologists in Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs). The training and assignments focus on conducting epidemiologic investigations and field surveys, making recommendations to ensure actions that strengthen public health surveillance.
  • Sharing of information through printed materials: Ponleu Sokhapheap (PSP) publishes a quarterly health magazine called "Health Messenger". Based on a collaboration with USAID-HSSC, the September 2006 issue focused on avian influenza. Approximately 30,000 copies were printed and distributed to MoH staff throughout the country, to village animal health workers, and at community theatres.
Development Issues

Health, Natural Resource Management.

Partners

MoH Department of Communicable Diseases, with technical assistance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Funding is provided by USAID.

Sources

HSSC page on the URC website; and Coordinated Preparation for Avian Influenza [PDF], USAID-HSSC Newsletter, Issue 2, August 2006).