Sharing knowledge, saves lives

The number of cases of the dangerous dengue fever rose by nearly 50 percent in 2026 compared to the previous year. Children, in particular, bear the brunt of this wave of infection and account for a large proportion of severe cases. At the Kantha Bopha hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap alone, over 24,000 dengue patients were treated between January and August, including more than 1,000 children suffering from life-threatening dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

Training Campaign in Eight Provinces

To improve medical care at the first point of contact for sick children, our children’s hospitals launched a large-scale training program at the initiative of the Ministry of Health. In August 2026, Prof. Dr. Yay Chantana and his team traveled to eight provincial hospitals and health centers, including those in Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Pursat. The approach was consistently practice-oriented:

• On-site clinical rounds: In the mornings and afternoons, the experts assessed the children directly at their bedsides in the provincial hospitals to hone the staff’s diagnostic skills in a real-world setting.

• Focus on early detection: In addition to treating shock, the main emphasis was on recognizing early warning signs and ensuring accurate documentation by the nursing staff. Discussions also took place at the respective provincial health departments.

• “Training-of-Trainers” concept: A total of 568 physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals (108 on-site, 460 via video conference) were trained. They are now passing this knowledge on to their own teams.

For Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Chantana, the mission was not a one-way street. In addition to sharing knowledge, the goal was to understand the often limited resources and the real challenges faced by smaller hospitals. “My impression was very positive. The medical staff was highly motivated and interested in improving the treatment of dengue fever in children.”

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The insidious nature of the disease: Why every hour counts

Our teams have extensive experience treating children with dengue fever, including severe and complicated cases. One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictable course of the disease, which requires continuous reassessment, says Prof. Dr. med. Yay Chantana, director of Jayavarman VII Hospital in Siem Reap. “The condition of a child who initially appears clinically stable can deteriorate rapidly. Early recognition of warning signs, appropriate fluid management, and close monitoring can prevent many serious complications.”

When blood plasma leaks through inflamed blood vessels, there is a risk of circulatory collapse. But the opposite also poses dangers: excessive or improper fluid administration can quickly overload a child’s cardiovascular system. Striking the right balance in intensive care requires in-depth clinical experience.

Praise from the Minister of Health

During a visit to our Jayavarmann VII Hospital in Siem Reap, the Cambodian Minister of Health, Prof. Chheang Ra, recognized the dedication of our team and praised them for their professional expertise and commitment to equitable health care in the country. He also visited the emergency room, where many critically ill dengue fever patients are currently being treated, and said, “Here, children are being saved with compassion, expertise, and hope.” He expressed his deep appreciation and acknowledged the heavy burden placed on the medical staff during this difficult time.

Prof. Chheang Ra also met with trainers and trainees from several provinces and encouraged them to share their newly acquired knowledge with the healthcare teams in their respective regions. The purpose of the visit was to offer support, convey greetings, and express gratitude to the medical staff dedicated to serving children. In addition, the minister reaffirmed his support for ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve the quality of emergency care for children. At the same time, he called for intensifying preventive measures, strengthening health education, and preventing the transmission of dengue fever through close cooperation between hospitals and local authorities.

The Kantha Bopha hospitals are thus once again demonstrating their role as the backbone of Cambodia’s healthcare system. Their mission is to strengthen provincial hospitals through training, practical collaboration, referral networks, and a continuous exchange of expertise. In this way, the knowledge we have gained from treating a large number of young patients can benefit children throughout Cambodia—ensuring that every girl and boy, regardless of where they live or their parents’ financial means, receives timely, life-saving, and appropriate treatment.

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