Representing STOP Spillover’s Cambodia Country Team, Ratana Chhan gave an oral presentation at the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) International Conference 2024. The event took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from September 18-20. Many researchers from Southeast Asia attended the conference. Across 480 participants, 200 gave oral presentations, 150 provided poster displays, and the rest were delegates. The SEAOHUN conference provided an opportunity for regional researchers working in One Health to share their work and findings and raise awareness about the One Health approach.
Mr. Chhan presented STOP Spillover research findings on “Bat Guano Farming and Zoonotic Disease Risk Reduction in Kang Meas District, Cambodia.” Mr. Chhan highlighted the effectiveness of community-driven and tested solutions in mitigating zoonotic spillover risks related to bat guano farming, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitization of surfaces. The presentation was well received and garnered much discussion, mainly centered around the acceptability and sustainability of implementing the recommended solutions.
Other Cambodian colleagues and STOP Spillover collaborators attended the conference, including Chea Bunna of the University of Agriculture, consultant to STOP Spillover Cambodia, and Ngor Chamnab and his fellows from the National Institute of Public Health, a joint partner of the Cambodia team.
This was the final SEAOHUN-organized international conference, coinciding with the completion of the five-year USAID One Health Workforce Next Generation project, which has supported SEAOHUN. Those attending the conference took away the core message of One Health’s values and applications, which can help to pave the way for a healthier and resilient future for Southeast Asia and the world.
