March 29, 2006

Cambodia to broadcast bird flu information to increase awareness

Cambodia's prime minister told television and radio stations Tuesday (Mar 28) to broadcast information about bird flu during prime-time kickboxing matches and pop concerts, warning it would be difficult to control the virus if it spreads rapidly.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said the danger of the virus "must not be underestimated".

"This is our big concern," he said during a ceremony at a medical school. "If the disease breaks out in a large scale at many places at a single time, how will we manage the situation?"

He said all television and radio stations should broadcast daily educational spots about bird flu to raise awareness of how to avoid catching the disease.

The stations should insert the spots in commercial breaks during kickboxing matches, pop concerts and other prime-time shows, Hun Sen said.