PHNOM PENH: Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, Director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visited Cambodia February 7-8 to meet with senior Cambodian officials and public health partners.
In her meetings with Minister of Health Professor Ra Chheang and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Cohen acknowledged the long-standing 22-year partnership between the U.S. CDC and Cambodia and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in the prevention and early detection of respiratory diseases and public health emergency preparedness and response.
“Dr. Cohen’s visit underscores the long-standing commitment of the United States to improving public health in Cambodia,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy.
“CDC’s ongoing partnerships have helped Cambodia effectively address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, and rabies. The U.S. government, including CDC and other U.S. health agencies working in the Kingdom, also helped Cambodian authorities launch one of the most successful early responses to the outbreak of COVID-19 anywhere in the world.” He added.
Dr. Cohen visited the Orussey Live Bird Market, the National Pediatric Hospital, the National Institute for Public Health Laboratory, and the Cambodia CDC to observe the robust, joint efforts between the U.S. CDC and partners to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging respiratory viral threats. Dr. Cohen engaged in constructive discussions on global health security while reaffirming the U.S. CDC’s commitment to advancing core public health capacity to protect the health and safety of the people of Cambodia.
Dr. Cohen’s visit to the Kingdom included a visit to the Toul Kork Health Center in Phnom Penh to observe first-hand the CDC’s local partnership in addressing HIV and other infectious diseases. She also conducted a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn more about U.S. support for justice, accountability, and preserving the memories of victims of atrocities.
Source by: U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia
