Cambodia first reported Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in 2004. Since then, H5N1 HPAI has been disrupting the poultry sector and causing significant economic losses particularly among smallholder farmers who raise the majority of Cambodia’s poultry. The country has had over 40 HPAI outbreaks and has confirmed 56 human cases and 37 fatalities.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has used simulation exercises in preparation for response to influenza events. In 2018, MoH and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) held a joint human and animal health simulation exercise to test the joint Standard Operating Procedures for Human-Animal Avian Influenza Outbreak Coordinated Investigation and Response including the new Incident Management System structure for responding to public health emergencies. A joint MoH/MAFF/WHO/FAO avian influenza simulation exercise was held in Siem Reap from 19-21 December 2018, and included participants from MoH, MAFF, Royal University of Agriculture, provincial rapid response team and Cambodia Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training officers from Siem Reap, Battambong, Kandal, Prey Veng and Tbong Khmum, and partners such as Institute Pasteur du Cambodge and USAID.
The workshop identified these areas requiring attention: strengthening communication channels between sectors and across levels; plans for repurposing staff during emergencies; and logistics planning to mobilize materials (e.g. PPE). The next steps will include: future improved simulation exercises, finalizing the SOP, and planning its implementation.
Coordination between human and animal sectors is improving, but there is still work to be done.
