Phnom Penh: The Minister of Information has called for the joint dissemination of comprehensive prevention measures to reduce the risk of disability.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Cambodian Voice for Persons with Disabilities, Prime Minister Hun Sen Award, Minister Khieu Kanharith stated that people with disabilities are not a social burden because they also have the ability to support themselves like anyone else. What is needed is to support them with the warmest regard and provide encouragement to participate in social activities.

Nevertheless, he also urged the dissemination of ways to avoid disability by promoting health monitoring during pregnancy, monitoring and diagnosis of diseases that can lead to disability, raising awareness of potential drugs that can lead to disability, food that supports strong bodies, and education about the causes of disability, such as landmines and accidents.

Currently, there are more than 500,000 persons with disabilities in Cambodia, equivalent to 4.9 percent of the total population of 16 million people. The Royal Government is taking care of persons with disabilities in order to give them the best opportunities to participate in society and in the development of the country.

^{PHOTO: EAC NEWS}