Battambang (FN), Jun. 24 – Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Marie Stopes International Cambodia (MSIC) launched a comprehensive tetanus vaccination for youth, in collaboration with Regional Polytechnic Institute Techo Sen Battambang and National Vocation Institute of Battambang. The event, held at the Marie Stopes Clinic in Battambang, marks a significant effort to enhance the health and well-being of young Cambodians.
Cheng Lisunkheang, Deputy Director of the Battambang Provincial Health Department, expressed strong support for the program and highlighted the serious risks posed by tetanus, including muscle stiffness, lockjaw, breathing difficulties, and potentially fatal outcomes. He urged participants to complete the full course of five tetanus vaccine doses to ensure lifelong protection. "Women at reproductive age, from 15 to 44 years old, should especially get tetanus vaccinated to protect against tetanus during childbirth," added Cheng.
Sivheng Leng, Country Director of Marie Stopes International Cambodia, expressed deep gratitude to the attendees and highlighted MSIC’s longstanding commitment to improving health services in Cambodia. "Marie Stopes International Cambodia has been providing quality reproductive health services in Cambodia since 1998, working closely with the Ministry of Health and the National Maternal and Child Health Centre," said Leng. She emphasized the importance of tetanus vaccination, noting that tetanus is a preventable disease that can be combated through complete and timely immunization.
Phanorinn Chhun, Marketing Director of Marie Stopes International Cambodia, underscored the youth services include menstruation counselling, STI screening and treatment, cervical cancer screening, vaccinations, family planning, lab service, ultrasound service, and telemedicine. MSIC’s clinics offer a wide range of services tailored to every stage of women's lives. Chhun stressed the role of telemedicine for youth in removing stigmatized and judgmental barriers, offering the safest services from a distance with medical abortion, condoms, contraceptive pills, emergency contraception pills, and pregnancy tests.
This vaccination program is supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through Responding with Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Provision and New Delivery Mechanisms (RESPOND) and aims to be a part of the Cambodian Royal Government’s and Ministry of Health’s efforts to promote the health of Cambodian youth.
For those seeking assistance with sexual and reproductive health services and counselling, MSIC provides multiple contact options:
- Facebook message: Marie Stopes Cambodia
- Operating hours: Every day from 7 am to 5 pm
- Phone: 012 999 002 or 098 999 102
- Messaging apps: LINE, Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram at 093 24 08 23
About Marie Stopes International Cambodia
Marie Stopes International Cambodia (MSIC) is part of MSI Reproductive Choice, operating in 37 countries worldwide. Since 1998, MSIC has been providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Cambodia, in partnership with the Ministry of Health. MSIC operates eight clinics and 24 women’s networks across the country, offering a range of services designed to meet the needs of women, men, and young people.
=FRESH NEWS
