By:
• Meng Seavmey

• 7, August 2024 , 11:55 AM

PHNOM PENH – A five-day seminar on "Media for One Health" equipped Cambodian journalists with the tools to create compelling stories that highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By fostering a deeper public understanding of One Health, the seminar aimed to inspire a more holistic approach to well-being.

Concluded on August 2, the seminar was a collaborative effort between the French Embassy, Cfi – the French Media Development Agency – and Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), bringing together 14 journalists in Phnom Penh.

Funded by the French Embassy and implemented by CFi, with the expertise of CIRAD, the initiative sought to strengthen the media's role in promoting a One Health approach in Cambodia for zoonotic disease prevention and control.

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans. They are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Understanding and preventing zoonotic diseases is crucial for public health, and this is where the One Health approach comes into play.

Chea Bunna is a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Royal University of Agriculture, and a member of the Cambodia One Health University Network. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Professor Chea Bunna, a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Royal University of Agriculture, and a member of the Cambodia One Health University Network, stated that the One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The approach examines a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security, vector-borne diseases, environmental health, chronic diseases, mental health, and occupational health.   

However, Professor Bunna added that one of the primary challenges in implementing One Health is its novelty.

“As the concept remains unfamiliar to most people and has not been widely disseminated globally, public awareness of these issues is limited,” he pointed out.

Dr. Daan Vink, a Veterinary Epidemiologist from CIRAD, also a trainer for the seminar, emphasized that while the One Health approach has been a topic of discussion among high-level officials and scientists for over two decades, it has not gained significant traction among the public.

Dr. Daan Vink is a Veterinary Epidemiologist from CIRAD. Photo: Lay Long

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue to the forefront, prompting greater attention from stakeholders and the public,” he said.

"Socializing the concept — increasing awareness and visibility — is a challenge for us," Dr. Vink explained. "One Health affects everyone, so people need to understand its implications for them personally."

Fabrice Turri, a French journalist and CFi's regional coordinator, emphasized the lack of health-related coverage in the media. "Health stories aren't often featured in the headlines because it's hard to capture readers' interest," he explained.

Fabrice Turri is a French journalist and CFi's regional coordinator for the Media for One Health project. Photo: Sem Brakdav 

However, Turri suggested ways to make health stories more engaging. "We can make these stories more human-oriented," he said. "Using visuals like photos and videos, and especially embracing mobile journalism to connect stories to people's lives, can also boost interest."

Meas Molika, a journalist from Kiripost News, revealed that while she had previously covered health issues, the One Health approach was new to her. Among the topics presented, Molika expressed particular interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and rabies.

She expressed shock at the statistic, "In Cambodia an estimated 810 people die from rabies every year, and the country has one of the highest rabies death rates per capita of any country in the world." Globally, dogs are the primary animal responsible for transmitting rabies. In nations where rabies is prevalent in dogs, most human rabies cases stem directly from dog bites.

In addition to gaining knowledge at the seminar, Molika connected with health experts specializing in the One Health approach.

“These experts are considered reliable and credible sources on health matters,” said Molika. She shared, "We have learned about health issues and obtained contact information for sources and experts in this field from our trainers."

Meas Molika is a journalist from Kiripost News who participated in the seminar for five days. Photo: Lay Long

Molika aims to inform her media audience about AMR, especially its impact on livestock. AMR is a global health threat exacerbated by antibiotic overuse in livestock. Resistant bacteria, developed through this overuse, can spread to humans via contaminated food or direct contact, leading to severe illnesses.

"We have many potential stories to cover," she said. "Infectious diseases are a major concern, but we also believe noncommunicable diseases, linked to excessive fat and sugar intake, are equally important issues."

Lim Nary, a reporter from the Ministry of Information, described the seminar as a valuable opportunity to deeply explore the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. This knowledge would empower her to effectively communicate the One Health concept to the public, particularly farmers.

Lim Nary (wearing mask) is a reporter from the Ministry of Information who was one of the 14 participants in the seminar on “Media for One Health”. Photo: Uth Raksmey

“The seminar not only informed us about the issues but also provided solutions for prevention and control,” Nary explained. “We learned how to create stories highlighting activities harmful to animals, the environment, and people.”

She continued, “We must focus on topics that will resonate with the public, especially AMR, to encourage behavior change and collaboration among stakeholders in promoting the One Health approach.”

Based on these benefits, Nary advocated for increased health training for media professionals.

Freelancer Tuy Engly shared that the seminar provided her with an opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge about health issues. She stated, “While we possess general knowledge, translating specialized terms independently is challenging, hence the need for expert guidance. Networking was another valuable aspect.”

Engly further explained, “Journalists often struggle to connect with health experts for comments or clarification due to mutual unfamiliarity. This seminar served as a crucial bridge, fostering connections between both parties.”

Tuy Engly is a freelance journalist who covers various topics. In the photo, Engly was sharing her knowledge she had gained from the seminar. Photo: Meng Seavmey

She expressed confidence in her ability to produce more in-depth stories thanks to strengthened collaboration and networking with experts and officials from the Ministry of Health. She emphasized, "One Health is a collaborative effort requiring substantial cooperation from all stakeholders, including the media."

Engly is focusing on AMR due to public concerns about antibiotic misuse. "People are self-medicating with antibiotics without consulting doctors, demonstrating a concerning lack of understanding," she explained. "My human-centered stories aim to influence both the public and policymakers."

She concluded, "I aspire for my stories to drive behavioral change."

Him Karona, a reporter from the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), sought to understand the One Health approach and its relevance to the seminar's focus. He was particularly interested in zoonotic diseases and other environmentally transmitted illnesses unfamiliar to the public.

"While people are aware of viruses affecting livestock, this seminar will equip journalists to promote the One Health concept and raise broader awareness about health issues, including unhealthy meat consumption and AMR," Karona explained.

Him Karona is a reporter from the National Television of Cambodia (TVK). Photo: Sem Brakdav

He further emphasized TVK's potential for widespread impact, stating, "Our audience includes influential individuals capable of sharing information with communities at the commune and village levels. We can disseminate this content through our broadcasts and on Facebook."

Dr. Vink, the veterinary epidemiologist, highlighted the media's role in translating complex health messages into understandable information for the public.

While acknowledging the absence of a comprehensive evaluation on the seminar's impact, he suggested a preliminary step: measuring the reach of One Health published media stories from the training and assessing their influence on public behavior.

"We still need to consider this further," he concluded.

Dr. Heidi Auerswald, General Scientific Manager at the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, and Dr. Thai Savuth from the Ministry of Health were among the seminar's trainers.

French journalist Pierre Gillette and Ky Soklim, co-founder of Thmey Thmey Digital Media, shared their expertise in maintaining a long-term media focus on One Health. They provided guidance on story structure, development, and ethical considerations.

Concluded on August 2, the seminar was a collaborative effort between the French Embassy, Cfi – the French Media Development Agency – and Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), bringing together 14 journalists in Phnom Penh. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Pierre Gillette is a French journalist. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Ky Soklim is a Cambodian journalist and the co-founder of Thmey Thmey Digital Media. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Sem Brakdav contributed to the story.