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Minister Neth Pheaktra Launches “Media for One Health” Project to Empower Journalists in Disease Prevention

Phnom Penh, July 29, 2024 – The launch of the “Media for One Health” project was underscored as a critical initiative by Minister of Information, Mr. Neth Pheaktra. Speaking at the opening workshop held at the Sun Way Hotel, the Minister emphasized the project's role in enabling journalists to act as crucial links between scientists, decision-makers, civil society, and the public in preventing communicable diseases.

The initiative, organized by the Media Development Agency of France (CFI) and attended by Mr. Jacques PELLET, Ambassador of the French Republic to Cambodia, along with journalists from Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia, aims to equip media professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to simplify complex health and environmental issues for the general public.

Minister Pheaktra highlighted the Ministry of Information's commitment to concise and impactful communication, noting that training journalists to understand and effectively convey health information aligns with this strategy. “This workshop is pivotal in training Cambodian media professionals in the One Health science method,” he said. “Journalists play an essential role in disseminating public health information, especially amid emerging epidemics like COVID-19 and other diseases linked to climate change or environmental impacts.”

The Minister expressed confidence that the “Media for One Health” project would enhance journalists' understanding of the One Health mechanism, providing them with new experiences and knowledge to benefit public information dissemination.

The workshop is a part of the broader efforts by the Royal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovathibodi Hun Manet. The Ministry of Information continues to foster trust and professionalism among media outlets to improve public awareness on economic, social, political, environmental, and public health issues.

CFI's report highlighted successful collaborations in Cambodia since 2018 through projects like the Rural Connections Project and the Mekong Sustainable News Project. These initiatives have significantly contributed to educating Cambodians about agriculture, health, and sustainable development.

Representatives from the World Health Organization for Animal Health and the Regional Coordinator for the “Media for One Health” project participated in the workshop, offering critical insights into human and animal health and preventive measures. CIRAD, an organization specializing in animal health monitoring, biosecurity, risk analysis, and disease response, also presented key issues for journalists to understand within the scope of the project.

Minister Pheaktra concluded by stressing the importance of the media’s role in public health education, particularly in the face of evolving global health challenges.



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